Immigration Issue Aired in Canadian Parliament; Opposition Rises

Immigration was the principal subject of discussion in Parliament today, with members debating the merits of admission of refugees into the Dominion. Increasing opposition to Jewish immigration was noted in the House of Commons.

A. Neill, Independent, Introduced a motion to mitigate the Immigration law to permit political refugees to remain in Canada if threatened with deportation to their countries of origin. H. Stewart, leading Conservative member, said he felt there was room in Canada for selected immigrants. A.A. Heaps, Jewish member from North Winnipeg, pleaded for admission of refugees into Canada. He criticized the Government for a lack of policy on the refugee question. Stressing the difference between immigration and refugee problems, he suggested that the four political parties unite on a policy of admitting 5,000 refugees as a humanitarian gesture on Canada’s part.

Wilfrix La Croix presented the House with a petition from the Saint Jean Baptise Society, bearing 127,364 names, demanding “opposition to Jewish immigration and the entry of any Jew into Canada.” The petition also urged vigorous steps to stop any loophole permitting immigrants, particularly Jews, to enter.

Commenting on Prime Minister MacKenzie King’s announcement to Parliament that the results of an inquiry into German Nazi activities in Canada would be made public soon, the influential Ottawa Journal said editorially today that evidence was not lacking that Nazi propaganda agents and spies were active here. The paper expressed the opinion that hidden Nazi activity was still more dangerous and should be uncovered by the Government. Warning that “it can happen here,” the editorial demanded that Nazism be dragged into the light and dealt with appropriately.