Conservative leadership candidate Kevin O鈥橪eary has often drawn comparisons to U.S. President Donald Trump for his roots in reality television and business, as well as their shared lack of political experience. But the two are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to immigration and refugee policy.
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In an interview with CTV Atlantic ahead of his first leadership debate, O鈥橪eary outlined his stance on immigration amid escalating tensions around the issue south of the border.
If elected prime minister, the former tech entrepreneur says he would partner with Canada鈥檚 colleges and universities to funnel newcomers into academic programs that address labour shortages. Graduates that find work with Canadian companies would be rewarded with citizenship along with their immediate family.
鈥淚 will offer any person on Earth, regardless of religion or background, to go through Canada鈥檚 immigration policies now, but get on my fast-track program with the dean and the business that wants to hire them, bring their immediate family, their wife and children, and they all get passports the day they graduate,鈥� said O鈥橪eary.
He offered no further details, but noted Trump鈥檚 stringent stance on immigration could see Canada attract foreign talent in greater numbers.
Trump signed an executive order more than a week ago to ban citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States and to halt all refugee admissions. The new administration is currently seeking to appeal a ruling by a federal judge issued Friday that temporarily blocks the ban.
鈥淲hat Trump is doing in creating instability in immigration is making Canada鈥檚 brand go way up,鈥� said O鈥橪eary.
Canada鈥檚 immigration policies will likely be a key component of Saturday鈥檚 debate in Halifax. Trump鈥檚 travel and refugee ban has seen protests erupt on both sides of the border, confusion at Canadian airports and condemnation from Canadians ranging from politicians to health care professionals.
The NDP called for an emergency debate on the issue, held last week at the House of Commons. Thomas Mulcair called the ban 鈥渞acist鈥� and asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to officially denounce the policy.
O鈥橪eary鈥檚 business-focused approach to immigration stands in contrast with Ontario MP Kellie Leitch鈥檚 emphasis on face-to-face vetting of immigrants and refugees for so-called 鈥淐anadian values.鈥�
鈥淚 will sign those passports myself,鈥� O鈥橪eary said. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e Lebanese or Irish, or you come from Morocco or any other country, and you want to build a family and a business, you鈥檙e with me.鈥�
With a report from CTV Atlantic
