Andrew Scheer, Leader of Conservative Party of Canada, was in Surrey on August 18 to meet and interact with the South Asian media.
In his introduction speech, Scheer mentioned that he has been travelling across Canada since he won the leadership taking his “positive vision” across Canada reaching out to different families, communities, small business owners, students, seniors, and to people who have recently arrived in Canada. “I want to talk to as many Canadians I can about what lies behind my principles.”
Sharing the vision of the party, Scheer stated that the Conservatives stand for balanced budget, lower taxes, and opening up trade with the rest of the world.
“We know that these are the right policies to improve the quality of life for all Canadians and create prosperity in every corner of the country. I want Canadians to see the Conservative Party as a passionate and thoughtful party – one that shows it can make a difference in terms of helping everyday families.”
The media questioned Scheer on various issues concerning the country, namely housing affordability, immigrant policies, issues concerning racism and white supremacy, among others.
Sharing his views on the growing racism in communities around the world, he said, “I condemn and utterly denounce any groups that promote that kind of vile hatred, and anybody who does not believe in the fundamental equality of all human beings, who doesn’t welcome contributions of people from all over the world in Canada has no place in our society. It is not reflective of what Canada is all about.”
Scheer pointed out that it is the government’s role to encourage a multicultural society. “Every level of government has to make sure that they are vigilant, that we denounce these groups and messages, that we educate Canadians about the value in having a free, tolerant and multicultural society.”
The Conservative leader aims to follow the party’s principles of equality and openness to promote inclusivity.
“The Conservative Party has been a big champion of multiculturalism. I am going to continue on that tradition and work with my counterparts at the provincial and municipal levels to make sure that these types of development don’t get any more of a platform than they deserve and that the overwhelming response of Canadian society is to condemn and send a signal that that’s not what Canada is about.”
Scheer promised to form a government that is always focussed on creating prosperity and opportunity for Canadians. “That is what benefits hardworking Canadians. We are going to be a voice for all Canadians.”
