Stephen Harper makes stop in Vancouver to engage Chinese voters

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a stop in Vancouver today at the Canada China Economic Cooperation Prospect to discuss the economy and to engage Chinese voters.

In his speech at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Prime Minister Harper started by discussing the refugee crisis before addressing several key aspects of the Conservative government’s platform.

“The audit we asked for earlier this year was to ensure these policy objectives are being met. Political staff are never involved in approving refugee applications. Such decisions are made in the Department of Citizenship and Immigration,” Harper said to the crowd.

Prime Minister Harper praised the contributions Chinese-Canadians have made to the country.

“Indeed, it is impossible to speak too highly of the contributions made to our national life by Canadians of Chinese ancestry,” he said.

“Business and academia, mathematics and medicine, sport and science, anywhere. A strong work ethic, a commitment to education and a dedication to family and faith are keys to success.”

Harper was critical of the other political parties and brought up the legalization of marijuana once again, saying they wanted to make it more accessible to youth. He also discussed how they want to open more safe injection sites and to “legalize prostitution.”

“Our Conservative party rejects that direction,” Harper said.

In the wake of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, Harper mentioned the strong economic bond between China and Canada share.

“In the long run, friends, this relationship can only grow.”

He said Conservative and Chinese values “align closely” and mentioned how the Conservative government had more candidates of Chinese origin than any other political party in Canada.

Harper did not take questions from the media at the end of his speech.