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Immigration See other Immigration Articles Title: Opponents rally against Ford for comments on immigration (Toronto, Canada) Toronto’s major mayoral candidates piled on frontrunner Rob Ford Wednesday, excoriating him for suggesting that in “a perfect world” Toronto would shut the door to newcomers. The Etobicoke Councillor first made the comments during a televised debate Tuesday night, saying: “We can’t even deal with the 2.5 million people in this city. I think it’s more important that we take care of the people now before we start bringing in more.” After a morning in which George Smitherman, Rocco Rossi, Joe Pantalone and Sarah Thomson all flocked to city hall to denounce Mr. Ford, the candidate told reporters he stands by his comments. “It’s political games, that’s what it is,” he said. “What I said, and I stick to my words, is that we can’t take care of 2.5-million in this city. How are we going to deal with another million people?” However, Mr. Ford did little to clarify his position on immigration, a federal responsibility over which Toronto’s mayor has no control. His campaign issued a news release Wednesday saying that, “suggestions [Mr. Ford] wanted to shut down immigration were nothing but spin and political gamesmanship.” On one hand, Mr. Ford said he supports immigration; on the other he said no more people should be allowed into the city. Either way, he acknowledged the municipal government has no power to control how many move to Toronto. “I’m going to play the cards that I’m dealt and you know what? More people will come. But in a perfect world, what I’m saying is that I would like to deal with the 2.5-million first,” he said. The controversy prompted Mr. Rossi to organize an anti-Ford rally at Nathan Phillips Square Wednesday afternoon. He demanded Mr. Ford drop out of the race over the comments. Mr. Ford and Mr. Rossi even got into a verbal tussle live on CP24 over the issue. “This is a political game,” Mr. Ford said before walking out of the shot. “Are you going to run for mayor or aren’t you?” Mr. Rossi called after him. “You’re running from the issue Rob!” The other candidates were no less harsh in their attacks on Mr. Ford. “It’s one thing to say disgusting things about Asians, about gay people, about cyclists, about women councillors, about other councillors, when you’re just a councillor,” said George Smitherman, referring to controversial statements Mr. Ford has made in the past. “But when you seek to elevate yourself to the position of leading the sixth largest government in the country and the most diverse city on the face of the earth, then you gotta elevate your game.” Joe Pantalone, the deputy mayor, said: “I strongly believe that such a statement has no place in a place like Toronto and that Torontonians will neither forgive or forget that kind of statement unless it’s rectified.” The last major polls, which were done in June, put Mr. Ford and Mr. Smitherman in a virtual tie for first place, with Mr. Pantalone in third, followed by Mr. Rossi and Ms. Thomson.
Poster Comment: Notice the white-guilters turning on their fellow white man like a pack of savage wolves.
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