Al Arabiya news, 21 January 2016 – When Syrian refugees arrive in Toronto, Canada’s prime minister welcomes them not as asylum seekers but as citizens, PM Justin Trudeau said at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
“I welcomed them as new Canadians and as the future of the Canadian economy. Diversity is the engine of investment; it generates creativity and enriches the world. We know this in Canada,” Trudeau said.
The prime minister noted that people respond to a positive and inclusive vision of society. “The result is creativity that enriches Canada and the world. It makes me profoundly optimistic and confident.”
Trudeau’s predecessor, Stephen Harper, wanted Canada to be known for its resources. “I want you to know Canadians for our resourcefulness,” Trudeau said. “We have a diverse and outstandingly creative population, great education and infrastructure, social and financial stability and a government [willing] to invest in the future. We have remarkable confidence. We believe in progress and we are willing to work hard to get there,” he said.
During his talk in Davos, Trudeau also warned that “new technology is always dazzling, but it needs to serve the cause of human progress.” He pointed out that technology will not determine our future, but “our choices and leadership” will.
“I believe in positive and ambitious leadership,” he said. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution will not be successful unless it creates opportunities for the billions who are unable to be here today.”