Statement from Canada’s Minister of State for Multiculturalism, Tim Uppal

Ottawa, June 24, 2015 – At a press conference in Ottawa on Monday, June 22nd, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau mde the following comment when criticizing the introduction of the government’s new, proposed Oath of Citizenship Act: “An example is to use Minister Uppal who is very visibly from a new Canadian community,” because he is a Sikh.

Minister Uppal issued the following statement in response to Mr. Trudeau’s highly offensive comment:

“Justin Trudeau’s inflammatory and insensitive reference to me as being from a “new Canadian community” because I am a Sikh is inexcusable.

“I have heard from many Canadians of the Sikh faith across the country who took great offense to this comment, as did I.”

“I was born and raised in Canada and just because I am a Sikh does not mean that I am a “new Canadian.”

“Sikhs have a long and proud history in our great country dating back over 100 years, and have contributed significantly over the decades to Canada’s economic prosperity and enviable pluralism.

“I am proud to be a part of the Conservative government which has championed Sikhs’ rights to wear the kirpan and turbans on the soccer field.”

“It is no surprise that Mr. Trudeau would make such an outrageous comment given that his top political advisor, Gerald Butts, equated the Sikh turban and beard to the niqab in a post on Twitter.”

“Comparing a religious head-covering, such as a turban, to a full face-covering for women, like the niqab is ignorant.”

“Mr. Trudeau has demonstrated once again that he is just not ready to lead. Moreover,  he and his “advisor” should apologize to Canadians, particularly to Sikh Canadians, for their offensive and ignorant remarks.”