CANADIAN IMMIGRATION

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1931, Page 8

CANADIAN IMMIGRATION

BRITISH TRADITIONS VALUED

VANCOUVER, Dec. 8. Matters affecting immigration were the theme of an address in Vancouver by Hon. W. A. Gordon, Minister of Immigration. At the outsoit lie emphasised his devotion to British traditions. “( anada must be preserved as a CnnadianRrilish Christian country,” be said. “That must be.a governing consideration in matters affecting our popula tion. “We are all sons of Canada. Many of those who have come from other lands have in a short time contributed greatly to our national life.” He expressed his welcome to these strangers, hut in selecting future citizens, said the country could not he too /severe. “ That selection must he made before they leave their homes,” lie insisted, “ because if misrepresentation is made an injustice is committed to these newcomers. “ There is a more serious phase. We luii'e a. perpetual colonisation problem in bringing in people ivho do not find what they expect and become dissatisfied. This is unfair to our own people.” Mr Gordon said he was prepared to take the responsibility for acts for which he had been criticised. “ I am determined to keep this country clean,” he said. “ People coming here must be prepared to submit to on lans designed to protect the standard of om citizenship.”

In the past 16 months Canada had encouraged 200.000 people to ontoi Canada. Tn the four months preceding July 31 last—when everybody knew Canada could not absord and colonise newcomers—she invited or assisted to bring into Canada 58,006 people. That was undiciplined find uncontrolled immigration. So long as he Avas in control that aa'oulc! not occur in the future. Primarily newcomers avlio Averc British people and understood British laws and customs Avould he invited. Movements of population between Canada and the United States seemed like no immigration at all, but he rejoiced in the steady repatriation of Canadians from the south, now that Canada Avas recovering from the Avorld-Avide depiession. While he welcomed adventurous souls from other lands, he insisted they nlust recognise they were coming into n British country and had joined ” iiconic immensely proud of their institutions.