Dear Editor,
Re: “Canada helping Ukraine isn’t rooted in racism,” Letters, March 17.
In response to Iqbal Ladha’s letter, David Baines has argued Canada’s support for Ukraine is based on strategic, cultural and historical factors.
He claims racism is not one of them.
I disagree with his reasoning on Canada’s historical and cultural factors.
The majority of Canada’s first settlers were indeed European; France and Britain founded many of our country’s cities.
In the 1920s, immigration rules loosened, which allowed Eastern Europeans to immigrate.
However, Europeans were not the only group who have brought major contributions to many of Canada’s legacies.
I’ll mention just a few nationalities who have shaped our country’s history:
1. Chinese Canadians
2. Japanese Canadians
3. First Nation peoples in Canada
According to Canada’s 2016 census, there are more than 160,000 Syrians and Afghans in the country.
While the population of both groups is small when compared to over 1,350,000 Ukrainians in Canada, what makes “size” so important?
I have spent time with people who identify as either Ukrainian, Afghan or Syrian throughout my entire life.
They are Canada’s students, workers and patriots who contribute to our ever-growing nation.
I ask for clarification on the meaning of the word “legacy.”
Roshaan Khan
RICHMOND
