Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says a comment made by one of his MLAs referring to federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as a “terrorist” was “very inappropriate.”
“None of this has been easy, and in fact the road has been bumpy at times. It’s been more difficult due to challenges presented by the federal government, propped up by the federal NDP, federal NDP supported by this opposition [provincial NDP],” she said. “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.”
Moe acknowledged Hilbert’s comments were inappropriate, but noted she had apologized after being questioned by the provincial NDP on April 10.
“The member from Humboldt-Watrous has apologized and retracted those inaccurate and very, very inappropriate comments, Mr. Speaker, and I thank her for doing that,” he said.
NDP MLA Vicki Mowat pushed Moe on the issue, saying Hilbert’s comments were scripted and amounted to “premeditated hate.”
“How can this premier and his government possibly claim to represent the people from diverse communities of Saskatchewan when they continue to have a member in their own caucus who holds and openly states such hateful views,” Mowat asked in the legislature.
Moe responded by saying Hilbert had already apologized twice.
“She retracted those comments on the floor of this legislature,” he said. “She apologized for those comments as well as apologizing, Mr. Speaker, publicly in the media.”
He also noted the work his government has done to welcome newcomers.
“When it comes to this government’s broader support, broader support of everyone who lives in Saskatchewan or may be in Saskatchewan with their family, I think our record is quite clear,” he said, adding that the province offers a “robust immigration program.”
“Saskatchewan most certainly is from many peoples’ strengths. Always has been.”
