OTTAWA – There is disquiet among Conservative Party members, as many within the party are worried that Canadians may not be receiving clear messages about the Conservatives’ stance on race and multiculturalism in Canada.
“I’m just…it’s worrisome,” said Conservative candidate Kellie Leitch at a news conference, “I wish we would stop being so wishy-washy and draw a clear line in the sand.”
The anxiety began in the months leading up to the election, with Harper’s frequent use of the word “jihadist”, and his visible disdain and disregard over the disappearance of aboriginal women, considered too subdued. Bill C-24’s ability to revoke citizenship leaves the party wondering how Harper feels about foreign-born Canadians.
Now, with his stated reverence for “Old Stock Canadians”, the re-opening of the Niqab debate, and the Zero Tolerance For Barbaric Cultural Practices Act which features an RCMP-helmed tip line, alarm bells are ringing that the public will not be able to understand the message of xenophobia and racism the party holds at its core.
MPs have come under fire as well. In March, Larry Miller said Muslim women who want to wear the niqab while taking the citizenship oath should “stay the hell where [they] came from.” He was reprimanded for his meekness, as many felt he was hedging his bets.
“This is no time to be understated,” Leitch reiterated, “This is an election year. Enough dog-whistle politics; we need a foghorn.”
Bearing this in mind, several Conservative MPs have formed a special task force called the Group for Traditional Federal Origins. The GTFO will focus on making the party’s racial views more obvious. A new ad campaign will enthusiastically encourage minority Canadians to “Get White”. A new question will be added to the census asking people to identify themselves with the appropriate Pantone swatch. The Group has also pledged to strengthen grassroots efforts, offering door-to-door tips on how to properly behave, and dedicating volunteers to follow and point at every person of colour in their riding.
The Group’s biggest plan is the proposed “Mother Canada Doesn’t Want You Here” statue: a 10-storey monument to be built on the coast of Cape Breton. The statue’s face will point towards land, its eyes suspiciously scanning left to right. A motorized hand will face the sea, shooing away anyone who approaches Canadian shores.
