Doug Ford’s ignorance about how racism spreads on display in his comment about immigrants

By Fareed Khan 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s response to criticism about a comment he made relating to immigrants, at a media conference in Windsor on October 20th, demonstrated ignorance about how racism is perpetuated that is shocking in a political leader.  In non-scripted remarks about a shortage of workers in Ontario Ford put his foot in his mouth when he called for more immigrants to come to the province, but not “If you think you’re coming to collect the dole and sit around.”

His comment not only created a furor in the Ontario Legislature, it also elicited strong reactions from pro-immigrant and anti-racism organizations which consider Ford’s comment to be objectionable and racist, despite Ford’s claims to the contrary.  What he said has been widely condemned for denigrating immigrants and fuelling anti-immigrant and racist narratives.  Despite widespread calls for Ford to apologize he has refused to do so, indicating an unwillingness to undo the harm his words have done.

The trope about immigrants coming to Canada so that they can collect social assistance rather than work and pay taxes like other Canadians is a very old one.  Over the decades this toxic myth has often been used by those opposed to the increasing diversity of Canada’s population, and by some right wing politicians.

Ford’s failure to see the potential danger to immigrants and people of colour of repeating a well-known anti-immigrant and racist trope is itself dangerous.  At a time when there has been a significant rise in racist attacks and hate crimes for the Premier of Ontario to make such a comment gives ammunition to anti-immigrant and white supremacist groups.  In addition, Ford’s decision to double down by refusing to apologize pours gasoline on this fire and emboldens those who believe that immigrants are a drain on Canadian society.

Canada would not exist as it is today if not for immigrants choosing to pursue their dreams of a better life in this country.  Over the last 50 years Canada’s population has grown from 21.5 million to an estimated 38.2 million today due primarily to immigration.  These people have not only benefitted Canada through their skills and ambitions, but also by taking on jobs that many other Canadians would not.

In all cases immigrants choose to settle in Canada to build a better life for themselves and their families.  Approval to settle in Canada is based on a points system that determines whether they are good candidates for immigration.  For anyone, particularly a political leader, to say that immigrants choose Canada as their new home because they want to live off “the dole” is not only ignorant but it flies in the face of extensive research about immigrant contributions to this country’s economic success.

By making his comment Ford shredded what little credibility he had on the issue of fighting racism.  That credibility was paper thin considering that he allowed candidates who promoted hateful and racist ideas to run for his party in the last provincial election.  That lack of credibility was reinforced when he cut funding to Ontario’s Anti-Racism Directorate after getting elected, and cancelled a mandatory anti-racism conference in 2019 that was part of a provincial strategic plan to combat racism.

People should also remember that Ford has a documented history of consorting with unsavoury characters who hold anti-immigrant and racist views.  In the past he was unwilling to condemn white supremacist Faith Goldy and happy to pose in photos with her and her supporters.  He was also willing to take a meeting with the head of the Hamilton chapter of the white supremacist group the Proud Boys.  This is not the behaviour of someone who is a champion for immigrants and opposes those who promote racist and anti-immigrant narratives.

Actions speak louder than words, and Ford has demonstrated through words and actions that he is unwilling to stand against the anti-immigrant and racist voices that see him as an ally.  Even worse is his penchant for saying and doing things that give energy to those voices.  His recent comment repeating a well-worn anti-immigrant and racist stereotype shows the true nature of someone who claims to be pro-immigrant and against racism.  Ford must apologize for fuelling racist and anti-immigrant sentiment with his comment.  Failure to do so will once again show Ontarians who Ford is, and this should not be forgotten in the lead up to next year’s provincial election.

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