We don’t in any way support the policies of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, nor the way in which he propped up the minority Liberal government with the “Supply and Confidence” pact.
We do applaud the way he stood up to name-calling on Parliament Hill this week. A demonstrator called Singh a “corrupt bastard” as he walked to work. Singh turned, demanding to know who’d called him that, telling the man to, “say it to my face.”
There are those who will argue that high profile politicians such as Singh should brush off taunts and walk away. They will say that by confronting the guy, Singh was risking escalating the incident. That it was undignified for him to engage. We disagree. There were parliamentary police on hand who would have stepped in.
Whether the protesters like it or not, Singh is a democratically elected MP going about his legitimate business. If you want to stop him from doing so, the correct path is to run for office against him at the next election.
As it is, Singh represents the people of Burnaby South. His constituents sent him to Parliament and have every right to expect he be allowed to take his place there without hindrance. He was elected to that place. The demonstrators weren’t.
If the demonstrators don’t like his views, they should put out a manifesto of their beliefs and allow voters to choose at the ballot box. They can then challenge Singh and his New Democrats freely and forcefully in the House of Commons.
Of course, we respect the right to peaceful protest. It’s a cornerstone of democracy. And while it’s true that sticks and stones break bones and names never hurt, it’s also important to call out those who harass elected officials – on the very grounds of Parliament. Sure, bullies have a right to bully. Their targets are just as free to call them out when they do so.
We suspect Singh’s bold response in challenging the protesters will give future assailants pause to reflect on the outcome of their actions. He called their bluff and in so doing has deterred others from behaving in such an undignified fashion.
A healthy democracy relies on a variety of voices engaging in vigorous debate – inside the House, not on their way to work.