Your readers were left with some false impressions about the motion I introduced recently at the Citizenship and Immigration Committee, which was defeated by opposition Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois MPs.

Letter writer Jim Hodder (May 20 edition of the Sentinel) is incorrect in his assessment. My motion was introduced to protect the safety of my constituents and indeed all Canadians.

Opposition MPs defeated my motion, which would have permitted Sri Lankan convicted criminals and potential war criminals to be deported to their homeland. Very simply, my motion would have sent a clear signal to Canadians that we are serious about public safety.

By defeating my motion, the Liberal-led coalition again put the safety of Canadians on the back burner. In the last Parliament, this same coalition played politics and deliberately held up vital justice legislation which was designed to protect Canadians.

It is unfortunate that politics are being played again at the Citizenship and Immigration Committee. We recently had an example of an individual implicated in two shootings, a meat cleaver attack and the destruction of a community centre, who, I believe, should be deported. But with this vote, this individual will be allowed to stay in Canada.

To find the motion, visit www.parl.gc.ca, click on committee business and follow the links to the debates.

I always put the safety of my community ahead of the rights of criminals.

Paul Calandra MP, Oak Ridges — Markham