This story has been edited from a previous version.

Simcoe Grey MP Kellie Leitch initially refused to comment on a controversial question in a survey sent out to subscribers for her Conservative leadership campaign. She has since released a statement saying she supports vetting potential immigrants and refugees for anti-Canadian values.

The question asked: “Should the Canadian government screen potential immigrants for anti-Canadian values as part of its normal screening for refugees and landed immigrants?”

Leitch and the hashtag #anticanadianvalues were trending on Twitter on Thursday after news broke.

Simcoe.com made several attempts to contact Leitch but she did not return phone calls or an email. A staffer in Leitch's office did respond directing Simcoe.com to speak with campaign manager Nick Kouvalis on the matter.

Kouvalis refused to speak on the record about the survey question.

The survey asked questions on a variety of issues including a potential carbon tax, supply management and the legalization of marijuana.

The survey also asked: “Some people say that our politicians and political parties should encourage multiculturalism that celebrates our differences, while other people say that our politicians and political parties should encourage a unifying Canadian identity based on historic Canadian values. Which is closer to your view?”

Leitch was embroiled in controversy late last year when helped launch the Conservatives tip line for reporting barbaric cultural practices. In April, during an interview with CBC, Leitch became emotional when discussing her role in the tip line, saying she regretted being part of the announcement. She claimed she supported the tip line to protect women and children against domestic violence.

Leitch is in her second term as MP for Simcoe Grey and launched her leadership bid earlier this year.