Canada had the second highest standard of living in the world in 2016. (Social Progress Index. )
Average household net worth in Canada in 2015 was $680,000 (Environics Analytics) 
Yet, as the comments here will demonstrate, most Canadians balk at helping legitimate refugees and displaced persons.
Mr. Axworthy's noble Pearsonian arguments will fall on deaf ears in this age of building walls, demonizing other cultures and fanning the flames of xenophobia.
"They are economic migrants, not refugees." 
"We already pay too much in taxes"
Etc etc, just a couple of the excuses bandied  about to justify not helping women and children fleeing horrific conflict -- often conflict fomented by Western powers.
One person on here recently, commenting on refugee drownings in the Mediterranean,  
stated: "So, glad we have the Atlantic between us and them." The comment received several  "likes."
The idea of Canadians as generous people who welcome those in distress is an anachronism. Time to admit it.