Syrian refugee question provokes heckling, boos at Conservative campaign event
Tory supporters shout down reporters asking Harper about refugees and security concerns
The atmosphere turned sour at a Conservative Party event in Welland, Ont., when reporters asked Stephen Harper about Syrian refugees.
Harper was asked by reporters to further explain his security concerns about refugees, as well as how he would speed up the process of bringing Syrians to Canada.
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The Conservative leader didn't offer any new answers.
"We are going to make sure we identify the most vulnerable people from the most vulnerable groups," Harper said.
"We are also going to make sure, in particular when we are talking about a significant number of people who come from a terrorist war zone, we are going to make sure that all screening is done to make sure we protect the security of Canada and Canadians."
Journalists began to shout at Harper, asking for specifics. He didn't offer any, but the crowd was obviously displeased.
When a third reporter said she was following up on the refugee story as well, the crowd began to groan in frustration at the media.
One supporter shouted at journalists. "How many kids drowned in pools in Canada since last summer? Do you blame the government for that?"
Harper interjected to try to encourage the reporter to continue with her question.
"OK, OK. Go ahead," he said.
The reporter proceeded to ask Harper once again about his security concerns.
"We will help refugees. We will also protect Canadians on security and we are committed to doing both of these things."
Reporters continued to shout "How?" but the questions were ignored.
The event was held near the riding of Niagara Falls, held by Conservative candidate Rob Nicholson. Nicholson, who served most recently as foreign affairs minister, was at the event to introduce Harper to the crowd of roughly 150 supporters.
After Harper's remarks, reporters attempted to speak to Nicholson about the situation in Syria and the refugee issue, but Nicholson walked away and reporters were prevented from following him by Conservative staff.
Harper also raised the issue of refugees in his nightly speech to supporters at an event in Kitchener.
He told supporters he has been making announcements about the issue of refugee resettlement long before it was in the headlines.
Harper also accused his rivals of offering a false choice.
"The opposition says we have to choose between bringing more refugees and having proper screening for applications."
Harper said, while adding his party was doing both.
