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Loachman said:Canada’s Immigration & Refugee Numbers Should Be Decided In A National Referendum
Politics Spencer Fernando April 3, 2018
Unfortunately, this debate often gets messed up because of political correctness. Despite repeated polls showing Canadians want reduced immigration and reduced refugee numbers, politicians are afraid to say that. As a result, the debate over immigration and refugee policy happens in a very narrow range, often leaving out the views of a majority of Canadians.
That’s why the time has come for a totally different approach to immigration and refugee policy:
Every 5 or 10 years, Canada’s immigration and refugee numbers should be decided in a national referendum.
The reason for this is clear: Because immigration and refugee policy has such wide-ranging and long-term ramifications for the future of our nation, it’s not acceptable for it to be left to the whim of whichever government happens to be in power.
After all, an Angus Reid poll from 2017 showed that 57% Canadians believe “Canada should accept fewer immigrants and refugees.” Yet, the Trudeau government is going in the opposite direction, planning a massive increase compared to the numbers under the previous Harper government.
Why should the government be allowed to go against what the people want? Why aren’t we allowed to vote on it directly?
https://www.spencerfernando.com/2018/04/03/report-after-trudeau-blocks-testimony-scheer-accepts-national-security-briefing-on-atwal-scandal/
One interesting point worth discussion- why should the government be allowed to go against what the people want?
It raises the question on whether or not there should be a referendum or plebiscite for every issue, which goes against our system of parliamentary government. In theory, the election of a party to a majority position bequeaths the right to speak on behalf of more than 50% of the nations ridings (not necessarily people), which in theory, should represent the interests of the people.
the next question raised would be should all issues and matter of policy be voted on, and if not, than what issues should explicitly be voted upon? When election reform was being considered, the CPC was big on the need for a referendum to make it law, though there's no legal requirement and they certainly didn't go to a referendum when they added more seats to the commons. If we say its matter's of national importance than should issues like marijuana, pipelines, and voting age changes also be subjected to referendum vice direct vote in the HoC? Legitimate debate points as it seems like people only think it should be a national referendum when the party in power is not "their" party and not doing what they feel should be done.
Finally- many on here consistently talk about polls being wrong all the time. So, how do we know the Angus Reid poll is correct? the article linked states that only 38.4% of people felt there were too many immigrants, 41.1% said there were the right number, and 10.4% that felt there weren't enough. So which poll is right? That's the problem- there's always a stat to prove your side (on both sides of the aisle). 39% of people still think that Global warming is fake.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/justin-trudeau-rolls-the-dice-on-immigration/article36805629/