Letter from Ambassador Frank McKenna to Hannity & Colmes

Below is a copy of a letter Canada's Ambassador to the US Frank McKenna sent to uber-liar Sean Hannity and the hapless token liberal Colmes of the Fox "News" show "Hannity & Colmes".

Supposedly fair and balanced....

Apparently there was nothing fair or balanced about what they allowed to be broadcast on their show not too long ago.

A.L.

Mr. Hannity and Mr. Colmes,

Remarks made last week on your show by Arizona Representative J.D. Hayworth that "the Canadians now basically let anyone into their country. And you're right. This is a real problem" were irresponsible and an elected official should know better. Canadians know that we are also on Al-Qaeda's hit list. The September 11 attacks, and the many other attacks around the world remind Canadians every day of their vulnerability and our collective duty to contribute to global security. That is why we passed tough new immigration and anti-terrorism legislation. And that's why we have the largest military presence in Afghanistan, after the United States.

The real story is that Canada's immigration system is tough and fair. We screen each and every immigrant and refugee applicant to make sure that they meet our security requirements. These requirements are very similar to US immigration requirements. Our refugee acceptance rates are also equivalent. Also, since January, when the United States implemented its side of an agreement with Canada to prevent refugee applicants making simultaneous applications in both our countries, applicants to Canada have significantly dropped.

Well before 9-11, we've had officers working with airlines in our embassies abroad to ensure anyone getting on a plane for Canada had the right documentation. Annually, this prevented thousands from getting into North America and Homeland Security is now adapting the Canadian approach for American use.

Canada lets anybody in? Estimates are that there are 60,000 undocumented persons in Canada. In the US, with a population ten times that of Canada, there are over 10 million. It's the pot calling the kettle black.

Frank McKenna
Ambassador of Canada to the United States