Ford’s immigrant comments are offensive, shameful

Re Premier Ford declines to apologize for comments about immigrants, Oct. 19

In Northern Ontario, our development and prosperity has come from immigrant families and individuals. We welcome immigrants who are filling important employment roles and helping to revitalize communities with their energy and enthusiasm.

We know going back to the early days of the silver mining boom in Cobalt, it was immigrants from the four corners of the world that helped to develop and grow the north. The word dole is from a bygone era of a bigoted, racist mentality beneath the people of Ontario.

I am offended by the premier’s xenophobia. Perhaps the immigrants who helped elect the premier will have second thoughts come the next provincial election. In the meantime, this premier does not speak for a great deal of Ontarians. Since the premier fails to understand the province has to work for the many, not the few or the one, I am sorry for his shameful remarks. Sue Nielsen, Cobalt, Ont.