Dasvand
Ottawa (April 10, 2025): The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) strongly condemns the recent comments made by Saskatchewan Party MLA Racquel Hilbert, in which she referred to federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as a “terrorist.” The remarks were shocking, offensive, and represent a clear example of anti-Sikh hate.
Hilbert’s statement repeats disinformation regularly disseminated by sources in India, which have repeatedly labeled Jagmeet Singh a terrorist and extremist in an effort to silence his criticism of India’s human rights record and its campaign of transnational repression. That such rhetoric would be echoed by an elected MLA is deeply troubling and underscores the dangerous reach of foreign propaganda within our own institutions.
WSO President Danish Singh said today:
“MLA Racquel Hilbert’s comments are reprehensible and parrot disinformation being pushed from India in order to malign Sikhs and suppress legitimate criticism. At a time where we are seeing rising anti-Sikh hate, these comments are an insult not just to Jagmeet Singh but also contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of Sikh Canadians.
We are particularly disappointed that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly did not censure Hilbert for her inflammatory remarks. This lack of accountability sets a disturbing precedent.
WSO believes that Ms. Hilbert should face consequences for her hateful remarks. At a minimum, we urge the Saskatchewan Party to remove her from any committee assignments and to mandate comprehensive anti-racism and cultural sensitivity training for all its members.
Disinformation and hate speech must not be allowed to fester within Canadian political discourse. Public figures need to be held to the highest standard, and hateful rhetoric should be met with swift consequences.”
WSO is a non-profit national organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights of all individuals.