I am aware of the image that you've just shared. Of course, there are multiple other images that have circulated in Canada and around the world that which are disparaging and/or undermining refugee protection. To all of that, we would absolutely say “no”. There clearly is no place for that kind of messaging or imagery when it comes to refugee protection.
I think with all social issues it is incumbent upon public officials to be very responsible in how they engage in public debate, what images they share, and what messages they convey. But there's absolutely no question that when it comes to refugees and refugee claimants, there's an increased vulnerability. There's a real volatility with respect to the public debate, and I think it is incumbent on public officials to go 10 steps further in questioning and second-guessing the imagery and statements they make.
It takes us back to the earlier debate about the use of the word “illegal” as well, a debate that I do not at all agree is just a matter of semantics. I think it is unfortunate that a number of officials, including our own Minister of Immigration, as was pointed out earlier, have used the word “illegal” at unfortunate times around this debate. I would love to see a commitment from everyone in public life, no matter what political party they come from, to shy away from that and to make an absolute commitment not to use that terminology.