One of my proudest days as a New Democrat was when Jagmeet Singh became the official leader of Canada's NDP.
For me, it reflected how we as a party truly walk-the-walk when it comes to inclusion, tolerance, and social justice.
For the first time, a major national political party in Canada has a leader who is a person of colour and a religious minority.
He is a role model to young people in Canada like they have never had before.
Having grown up in Richmond, B.C., I went to school with a number of boys belonging to the Sikh religion and I can tell you they were by far the most frequent targets of bullying, harassment, and violence.
The bullying, discrimination, and other injustices Jagmeet has faced throughout his life make him uniquely qualified to become the Prime Minister of a country that prides itself on diversity, tolerance and inclusion.
And make no mistake, Jagmeet has to work twice as hard to gain the trust and support of Canadians compared to the other two major party leaders.
Jagmeet's moral leadership and his own message of love, peace, and tolerance is even more important given the exposure of Justin Trudeau's past racist antics.
Trudeau not only repeatedly engaged in racist acts, he did not even have the moral courage to admit having done so and now only apologizes because he has been caught.
Perhaps it is Karma that the leader of the opposition NDP represents all those who were mocked and stereotyped by the Prime Minister.
As Jagmeet said in his response, ultimately what needs to come out of this episode is healing and reassurance for those people who have experienced the pain of racism.
"There are millions of people in Canada – kids, young people, newcomers to our country – who have been bullied, hurt, attacked, and insulted because of who they are. These photos bring that into focus.
I faced racism growing up. And I dealt with it by fighting back – sometimes with my fists. But not everyone is able to do that. Many feel powerless – intimidated into a sense of not belonging.
I want to say to the people who’ve felt that pain – you are loved, you have value, you have worth – and we can and will do better for you.
Today I want to ask Canadians not to lose faith in our great country. The last 24 hours have been difficult and so will the coming days. But, remember this – you belong, and together we can fight for a Canada that rejects racism and discrimination. Together, we can fight for a Canada where we are celebrated for who we are, and where we take care of each other.
So I ask, please talk to those around you, check in on your loved ones and all those affected by this. We are stronger together, and united in our opposition to discrimination and hate."
As New Democrats, we know how important it is to come together and take care of one another.
Help us make Jagmeet Singh the next Prime Minister of Canada and send a message to the Liberals, Canadians and the world that Canada is truly a nation of tolerance and inclusion and not racism and ignorance!
Thank you for whatever support can provide for me, Jagmeet, and NDP!
Stephen Schneider
For me, it reflected how we as a party truly walk-the-walk when it comes to inclusion, tolerance, and social justice.
For the first time, a major national political party in Canada has a leader who is a person of colour and a religious minority.
He is a role model to young people in Canada like they have never had before.
Having grown up in Richmond, B.C., I went to school with a number of boys belonging to the Sikh religion and I can tell you they were by far the most frequent targets of bullying, harassment, and violence.
The bullying, discrimination, and other injustices Jagmeet has faced throughout his life make him uniquely qualified to become the Prime Minister of a country that prides itself on diversity, tolerance and inclusion.
And make no mistake, Jagmeet has to work twice as hard to gain the trust and support of Canadians compared to the other two major party leaders.
Jagmeet's moral leadership and his own message of love, peace, and tolerance is even more important given the exposure of Justin Trudeau's past racist antics.
Trudeau not only repeatedly engaged in racist acts, he did not even have the moral courage to admit having done so and now only apologizes because he has been caught.
Perhaps it is Karma that the leader of the opposition NDP represents all those who were mocked and stereotyped by the Prime Minister.
As Jagmeet said in his response, ultimately what needs to come out of this episode is healing and reassurance for those people who have experienced the pain of racism.
"There are millions of people in Canada – kids, young people, newcomers to our country – who have been bullied, hurt, attacked, and insulted because of who they are. These photos bring that into focus.
I faced racism growing up. And I dealt with it by fighting back – sometimes with my fists. But not everyone is able to do that. Many feel powerless – intimidated into a sense of not belonging.
I want to say to the people who’ve felt that pain – you are loved, you have value, you have worth – and we can and will do better for you.
Today I want to ask Canadians not to lose faith in our great country. The last 24 hours have been difficult and so will the coming days. But, remember this – you belong, and together we can fight for a Canada that rejects racism and discrimination. Together, we can fight for a Canada where we are celebrated for who we are, and where we take care of each other.
So I ask, please talk to those around you, check in on your loved ones and all those affected by this. We are stronger together, and united in our opposition to discrimination and hate."
As New Democrats, we know how important it is to come together and take care of one another.
Help us make Jagmeet Singh the next Prime Minister of Canada and send a message to the Liberals, Canadians and the world that Canada is truly a nation of tolerance and inclusion and not racism and ignorance!
Thank you for whatever support can provide for me, Jagmeet, and NDP!
Stephen Schneider
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