Windsor philanthropist hopes Doug Ford can help Haitian orphans pursue higher education
Ground Effects president has been trying to bring Haitians over for post-secondary school
Bringing orphans from Haiti into Ontario or Quebec's post-secondary education system hasn't been easy for Jim Scott, the president of Ground Effects, an auto accessories company.
The Windsor philanthropist says he's faced "roadblock after roadblock" in his journey.
"We're hoping that the new change in government is going to give us a roadway into getting some kids over here," Scott said.
'Unwritten policy' stopping mission
So far, only one person has graduated under Scott's vision — a student named Farrah from Université de Montréal.
"We just need more of those kids. Because one girl's not going to change the face of Port-au-Prince," he said.
Scott's company accepts full responsibility of any expenses when bringing Haitian children over to Canada. He said there hasn't been an opportunity to speak with the federal government about his mission, and he's struggled for the past three to four years.
"We've just been told, 'don't bother,'" he said.
"We're not asking for money. We're just saying, 'let them come into Canada, let them get an education, let them return to Haiti and start a life and start a career.' That's really important to us."
How Doug Ford can help
Scott said the company has been sending emails to the newly-sworn in premier, but not necessarily asking for anything in particular from him.
"We just want to ensure these kids are here and being taken care of ... We're just asking for an allowance to do that," he said.
"It's unwritten policy that [suggests] Haitians are not really wanted here in Canada at this point. It's sad. I don't understand it."
The company currently operates 14 factories in the U.S. — which inspired Scott to try and send Haitian orphans over there as well.
"I can clearly say that's not going to happen, so we're going to turn our attention back to Ontario and Quebec."