Influential Canadian Paper Urges Admission of Refugees from Europe

The influential Toronto Star, replying last night to a statement issued by the Canadian Corps, a veterans group, objecting to the admission into Canada of refugees from Europe, stated that “Canada has room for refugees… The fear of overpopulation is not one that need be entertained in a country with the natural resources that Canada possesses.”

There has been much agitation against immigration to Canada by various anti-Semitic and pro-Fascist groups here as a result of a petition which is being circulated throughout the Dominion, requesting the government to freely admit refugees from occupied Europe. The action of the authorities in announcing that they would permit refugees in Spain and Portugal to enter has also been a target for criticism in some quarters.

The editorial appearing in the Star, entitled “Let the Refugees Enter,” stated:

“The council of the Canadian Corps association objects to bringing large numbers of war refugees from Portugal to Canada. The association’s secretary suggests that this is the attitude of Canadian veterans generally. The subject is one which lends itself to discussion under two heads: (a) The refugees’ need of Canada; (b) Canada’s need of the refugees. Even if Canada did not need them, and they needed Canada, this Dominion would have an obligation to them which it would be bound in honor to perform. The parable of the Good Samaritan is as applicable today as when a man once fell among thieves on the road to Jericho.

“And surely there is no disputing the fact that these refugees do need a domicile somewhere, even if it be only a temporary one. To say that they should be left to Portugal or to Sweden is to argue just as those in the parable did when they passed by on the other side and left the responsibility to someone else. Canada has room for the refugees. She is a land of hope, a promised land of opportunity. She must not fail those who need her so badly. She must open her doors to them.

“As a matter of fact, Canada needs them; need their skills and their varied talents. They can make a contribution to our national life… They will be producers, yes; but consumers as well. They will enlarge the home market for Canadian goods and produce, and will help to supply goods and produce, too. The fear of overpopulation is not one that need be entertained in a country with the natural resources which Canada possesses.”