The Canadian tech community has come together to oppose the entry restrictions in the U.S. imposed on people from some majority-Muslim countries.
More than 150 people (as of late Sunday) signed an open letter to the world opposing the move by the U.S. government. The organizers are inviting more people from the community to add their names by emailing cdntechwithoutborders@gmail.com.
The move comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days and suspending all refugee admission for 120 days.
The names on the open letter include representatives from some of the largest tech companies and organizations in the country, including DMZ, MaRS and Communitech. The Atlantic Canadians who have already signed the letter include: Jesse Rodgers, Volta; Heather-Anne Carson, Repable; Jevon MacDonald, Manifold.co; Topher Kingsley-Williams, Porpoise; and Yves Boudreau, Alongside.
The full list of signatories can be found here at Betakit.com.
The following is the letter in full:
The Canadian tech community comprises many different nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, mental and physical abilities, and perspectives. We believe that this diversity is a source of strength and opportunity.
On this topic, we are united.
Canadian tech companies understand the power of inclusion and diversity of thought, and that talent and skill know no borders. In choosing to hire, train, and mentor the best people in the world, we can build global companies that grow our economy. By embracing diversity, we can drive innovation to
benefit the world.
The 21st century will be driven by pluralistic economies powered by pluralistic societies.
This is a belief founded upon personal experience for many in our community. Many Canadian tech entrepreneurs are immigrants, are the children of immigrants, employ and have been employed by immigrants.
As connected economies, decisions by the United States can directly impact every business north of the border. The recently signed Executive Order to block entry of citizens from seven countries has already impacted several in our community. As a community, we are all affected. As a community, we stand together in opposition to the marginalization of people based upon their race or religion.
The Canadian tech community supports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s message that Canada will and must remain inclusive to all nationalities.
We also stand directly opposed to any and all laws that undermine or attack inclusion, and call on Prime Minister Trudeau and our political leaders to do the same.
The Canadian tech community also calls on the Canadian federal government to institute an immediate and targeted visa providing those currently displaced by the US Executive Order with temporary residency in Canada. This visa would allow these residents to live and work in Canada with access to benefits until such time as they can complete the application process for permanent residency if they so choose.
Diversity is our strength. We as Canadians recognize our privilege as a prosperous nation. We believe providing refuge to people seeking safety should remain our compass.
In the hours following the US decision, many members of our community have privately shared personal stories of their immigrant experience. We ask them now to share those stories publicly so they may be amplified.
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