Saskatchewan Party MLA Racquel Hilbert made despicable, uneducated and racist comments against NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, calling him a terrorist in an attempt to suck up to the fascist leadership of India’s Narendra Modi and his rightwing BJP party, telling the usual lies spewed by lap-dogs rightwing Indian media known as Godi (Lap-Dog) Media. Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby NDP candidate Manoj Bhangu said he is deeply shocked and disappointed by the recent comments made by Saskatchewan Party MLA Racquel Hilbert, in which she referred to federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as a "terrorist." This statement is not only inaccurate and offensive—it is deeply hurtful to the Sikh community and to Canadians who value respect, diversity and inclusion. Hilbert, who apologized for her hate speech and remains on caucus, was removed from the Treasury Board, Wanuskewin Board of Directors, Caucus Irrigation Committee and Deputy Caucus Chair, according to a statement from the Saskatchewan Party on Friday.

By PD Raj – Senior Reporter DESIBUZZCanada

SOUTH VANCOUVER — Saskatchewan Party MLA Racquel Hilbert made despicable, uneducated and racist comments against NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, calling him a terrorist in an attempt to suck up to the fascist leadership of India’s Narendra Modi and his rightwing BJP party, telling the usual lies spewed by lap-dogs rightwing Indian media known as Godi (Lap-Dog) Media.

Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby NDP candidate Manoj Bhangu said he is deeply shocked and disappointed by the recent comments made by Saskatchewan Party MLA Racquel Hilbert, in which she referred to federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as a "terrorist." This statement is not only inaccurate and offensive—it is deeply hurtful to the Sikh community and to Canadians who value respect, diversity and inclusion.

“I acknowledge that MLA Hilbert has issued an apology. However, apologies must be followed by meaningful action. Words have consequences, especially when spoken by elected officials. I would encourage that all Saskatchewan Party members undergo cultural sensitivity training. Such measures are critical in fostering a culture of accountability and ensuring that divisive rhetoric has no place in our public institutions,” Bhangu said.

Hilbert, who apologized for her hate speech and remains on caucus, was removed from the Treasury Board, Wanuskewin Board of Directors, Caucus Irrigation Committee and Deputy Caucus Chair, according to a statement from the Saskatchewan Party on Friday.

“Yesterday in the Legislative Assembly, Premier Scott Moe indicated that the comments made by the MLA for Humboldt-Watrous were inaccurate and highly inappropriate. As a result, today she has been removed from additional MLA responsibilities,” the statement read.

Hilbert made her racist and unfounded remark on March 25 and made an apology on Wednesday in the legislature and publicly through the media.

“We did not hear the Opposition denounce their federal leader as being a terrorist in India and denounce the collateral trade damage to Western Canada,” she had said.

In a statement on Friday, NDP MLA Tajinder Grewal called the removal of Hilbert’s additional responsibilities “nothing more than a slap on the wrist.”

“The Sikh community is deeply hurt by this Sask. Party MLA’s hateful remarks. Leaders and members of the Sikh community have written dozens of letters to Premier Moe, calling for this MLA to be removed from Caucus,” the statement read.

Bhangu said as the Sikh community prepares to celebrate Vaisakhi this weekend and whole month of April (the biggest of them all - theSurrey Nagar Kirtan is next weekend) with a vibrant Nagar Kirtan in Vancouver, he want to highlight the values this event represents—peace, unity, and service to others. These are the values that define the Sikh community and are the very foundation of a just and inclusive Canada.

“I stand in solidarity with the Sikh community, and with all those who have been hurt by these comments. This is a moment to reflect, take responsibility, and commit to doing better—as individuals and as a society,” Bhangu said.

"This was wrong. I'm less worried about what it means for me, and more worried about what that says to young people who look like me. And worried about what it says to kids who look different.

“I'm worried that a person in a position of power (and a former teacher) is saying that someone who looks different is a person we should be suspicious of, or a person we should fear. And what that says to our kids in Saskatchewan, and to kids in every corner of the country.

“As Donald Trump threatens our sovereignty and everything we hold dear, Canadians need to stand together. We need to be there for each other, for our neighbours. Now more than ever, we have to uplift each other," Bhangu said.