Waterloo region leaders vow to 'stand together with fellow Canadians'
Mayors, regional chair release joint statement after 'two separate events impacting us as Canadians'
Political leaders in Waterloo region say they wish to foster a sense of belonging and create a welcoming place for everyone.
The statement comes after a shooting at a Quebec City mosque Sunday evening, as well as an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump that limits travel to America by people from seven Muslim-majority countries.
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"Over the past three days, we have collectively been moved by two separate events impacting us as Canadians," the mayors of the region's three cities and four townships, as well as the regional chair, said in a joint statement released Monday.
'We are a region built by immigration'
"This region we all call home today was built by the hard work and dedication of people of all cultural and religious backgrounds who early on chose the motto, 'Peace. Prosperity,' " the letter said.
"In part, we are a region built by immigration."
The municipal leaders said they have had numerous conversations in the last 72 hours about what it means for Canada to be a welcoming nation.
"In the days and weeks ahead, in this the 150th year of Canada, we will stand together with fellow Canadians such as those in Quebec City today," the letter said.
They also pledged to "work on our region's behalf to help foster a sense of belonging and ensure the communities of Waterloo region remain one of the most welcoming, peaceful and inclusive municipalities in this nation."
Call for more privately sponsored refugees
Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht said he would like to see the federal government increase the number of Syrian refugees in the wake of the travel restrictions in the U.S. and the attack in Quebec City.
Private-sponsored refugees from Iraq and Syria is capped at 1,000, Albrecht said.
"The people of the Waterloo region are incredibly generous and have shared with me their ongoing commitment to private sponsorships," he said in a statement emailed to media outlets.
"Canadians are driven by love, generosity, and compassion – not fear; and these characteristics are best demonstrated during challenging times such as these."
Read the full open letter below:
| As the 10th largest metropolitan area in Canada, the Mayors and Regional Chair of the communities of Waterloo Region, serve as the elected leaders of one of Canada's most diverse mid-size regions. Over the past three days, we have collectively been moved by two separate events impacting us as Canadians – first, the political events south of our border and second, by the tragedy last night at the Islamic Centre in Quebec City. Since its beginnings, many people have come to our Region fleeing hardship and persecution in other parts of the world. Today, our Region is home to residents from every corner of our planet – people who have come here looking for opportunity, equality, safety and the desire to live, work and play in an inclusive community which welcomes them and provides them with a sense of belonging. This Region we all call home today was built by the hard work and the dedication of people of all cultural and religious backgrounds who early on chose the motto "Peace. Prosperity." From our early days of agriculture and manufacturing to a diversified economy that today also includes education, finance, innovation, technology and more – we have provided opportunities for people of all backgrounds and talent to settle here and build a meaningful and successful life. In part, we are a Region built by immigration. But refugees have also long been welcome, coming from places such as Vietnam, Central America, Africa and most recently Syria. Throughout, the community has stood out in Canada as a welcoming and highly regarded home for all those searching for a new and better life. Like many across our country over the last 72 hours, we have each engaged in conversations about what it means for Canada to be a welcoming nation, and the strength that comes from our collective diversity. We have spoken about our social responsibility to continue welcoming refugees and new Canadians to our community and we have spoken about our economic responsibility to continue to support our innovation and other sectors potentially impacted by the decisions made outside of Canada. We have also dialogued with some of our partners along the Toronto – Waterloo Region Innovation corridor and at the provincial and federal levels of government, ensuring that we continue doing what we do best – working together for a stronger Canada. In the days and weeks ahead, in this the 150th year of Canada, we will stand together with fellow Canadians such as those in Quebec City today. We will also continue to work on our Region's behalf to help foster a sense of belonging and ensure the communities of Waterloo Region remain one of the most welcoming, peaceful & inclusive municipalities in this nation we call home. Signed: Ken Seiling, Regional Chair, Region of Waterloo Doug Craig, Mayor, City of Cambridge Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor, City of Kitchener Dave Jaworsky, Mayor, City of Waterloo Sue Foxton, Mayor, Township of North Dumfries Joe Nowak, Mayor, Township of Wellesley Les Armstrong, Mayor, Township of Wilmot Sandy Shantz, Mayor, Township of Woolwich |