Discussion · Orders of the Day
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal
“Conservatives are unfairly blaming immigrants for high youth unemployment. Youth unemployment was higher in 2012 under Stephen Harper, and Conservatives did not blame immigrants then. Blaming immigrants causes racial tension. We need to be honest with young people and treat immigrants fairly.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will say at the outset, I am somewhat concerned about the manner in which the Conservative right today is trying to blame immigrants for problems. Back in 2012, unemployment amongst youth was over 14%. In 2025, it was under 14%. I do not recall, back in 2012, the opposition criticizing Stephen Harper, saying that immigrants were to blame. I am wondering if the member was in opposition back then. There were immigrants doing jobs and there were ample examples of youth trying to find jobs. Would the member have been so enthusiastic in trying to paint a negative image of immigrants? Let us think of the harm that is being caused, in terms of racial tension in our communities. It seems to me that we need to be fair in our explanation to the young people of Canada and also be fair to immigrants in terms of explaining the situation.”
Mr. Speaker, I will say at the outset, I am somewhat concerned about the manner in which the Conservative right today is trying to blame immigrants for problems. Back in 2012, unemployment amongst youth was over 14%. In 2025, it was under 14%. I do not recall, back in 2012, the opposition criticizing Stephen Harper, saying that immigrants were to blame. I am wondering if the member was in opposition back then. There were immigrants doing jobs and there were ample examples of youth trying to find jobs. Would the member have been so enthusiastic in trying to paint a negative image of immigrants? Let us think of the harm that is being caused, in terms of racial tension in our communities. It seems to me that we need to be fair in our explanation to the young people of Canada and also be fair to immigrants in terms of explaining the situation.