Winnipeg Free Press

LETTER OF THE DAY

Sending wrong message

Re: Told he's not fit enough to stay, Jan. 13/09

I am disgusted to hear that a man with a disability, Chris Mason, is going to be deported simply because he is no longer able to work. What message does this send to Canadians about the value of persons with disabilities? If Mason were a violent criminal, then the government might have some justification in deporting him. But he's done nothing wrong.

I think that this individual should be allowed to remain in Canada. We have a provincial and federal government that say they support the inclusion of persons with disabilities. This sort of behavior says the opposite. It's the message of exclusion, not inclusion. I hope that the federal government will rethink its policy and show some compassion to Mason. My Canada includes persons with disabilities.

HARRY WOLBERT

Co-Chairperson

Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities