Local tech companies sign open letter opposing Trump travel ban

Leaders at local technology companies have signed an open letter calling on the Canadian government to offer an "immediate and targeted visa"to people from seven predominantly Muslim countries affectedby the U.S. President's travel ban, so that they can live and work in Canada.

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The letter, whichwas posted online late on Jan. 28,had garneredmore than 2,000 signatures from people in the technology sector by midday on Jan. 30.

It describes how people working in technology in Canada comefrom a range ofethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and religions, and how that diversity helps drive entrepreneurship and innovation.

"As a community, we stand together in opposition to themarginalizationof people based on their birthplace, race, or religion," the letter states.

"When I look around here my friends, people I work with a vast majority are from immigrant backgrounds," said FredBoulanger, CEO ofMacadamianTechnologies inGatineau.

"I thinkwe're better for it. I think we're going to be going further with those people on our side."

High-tech companies see diversity as an asset

Like the letter, Boulangerpraisedamessage thatPrime Minister JustinTrudeauposted to Twitter on Jan. 28.

"It speaks to me," said Boulanger.

The CEO of fast-growing Ottawa-based Shopify, TobiLtke,also commented on Trudeau'stweet. Hegrew up in Germany.

Ltke signed the tech community's open letter along withmore than thirtyShopifyemployees, includingchief operating officer, Harley Finkelstein.

"My dad was an immigrant when Canada let 40,000 Hungarians into the country during the Hungarian revolution in 1955. Our family is here because of Canada's inclusive policies and warmth. I'll never forget that," said Finkelstein in a statement provided by the company.

Finkelsteindescribed how Shopify values inclusion and diversity of thought.

"Talent is not defined by borders and if they choose to come to Canada, the entire ecosystem will be better for it."

Chance to lure talent

Boulangerof Macadamian Technologiesalso sees Trump's travel ban as an opportunity for Canadian high-tech companiesto poach some talented employees who can contribute to both the economy and the country's cultural fabric.

"In the U.S., they're thinking about ifthey're even welcome there and should continue to stay there because the future is very uncertain now," said Boulanger.

• Silicon Valley pushes back at Donald Trump's executive order on immigration

The federal government has not yet said whether it would offer temporary visas allowing people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to work and live in Canada.

On Sunday, Canada's new immigration minister Ahmed Hussensaid only that the executive order was still very newand the government is studying its policy options.