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Third, immigrants would no longer come from Europe, where populations are declining, but from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The cultures and values of these regions are much different, especially with regard to religious tolerance and the treatment of women and people with different sexual orientations.

In spite of the official policy of multiculturalism, these backgrounds are likely to delay integration into Canadian society and if the migrants are numerous enough, may well end up creating ethnic enclaves in which the occupants’ culture and religions are maintained. Such enclaves can lead to economic, social and political frictions. France, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and other Western democracies have such problems, which have led to the electoral success of anti-immigrant parties and further social tensions.

Fourth, many immigrants will be Muslims. Most of them are peaceful and tolerant, but an unknown, potentially large number will be militant jihadists and present a serious threat to Canadian security. Surveillance of this minority will be very costly and cannot prevent all risks. No such problems and costs have ever accompanied immigration before.

Fifth, the most important difference between modern Canada and when previous waves of immigrants entered this country is the existence of the welfare state. In the absence of its universal social benefits in the past, only healthy immigrants with strong work ethics, drive and skills came to Canada. Under present conditions, potentially many immigrants would not possess these qualities and impose heavy fiscal burdens on our welfare programs and ultimately bankrupt them. It is for this reason that Milton Friedman, one of the world’s most ardent advocates for human and economic freedom concluded that, “The welfare state and free immigration are incompatible.”