Canada province lawmaker apologises after calling NDP leader a ‘terrorist’

Racquel Hilbert Apologizes for Calling Jagmeet Singh a “Terrorist”
On March 25, 2025, Racquel Hilbert, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Saskatchewan, made a controversial remark that quickly garnered attention. She referred to New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh as a “terrorist,” leading to widespread criticism. In response to the backlash, Hilbert issued a public apology.
The Controversial Statement
During a speech on provincial politics, Hilbert criticized the NDP opposition, particularly Singh. She claimed, “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.” This statement quickly sparked a wave of criticism, especially because it was baseless and inflammatory.
Realizing the severity of her words, Hilbert issued an apology: “During my budget response speech, I made an inappropriate comment regarding the Federal NDP leader. I wish to apologize and withdraw my comment,” she said.
Singh’s Reaction
Singh, while hurt by the remark, responded with composure. He stated that he didn’t care about the comment personally but expressed concern that an elected official had made such a serious accusation. “I don’t care about what people say about me, but it’s concerning when such words come from an MLA,” Singh explained.
Despite the controversy, Singh remained focused on his work and continued to advocate for the principles of the NDP.
Context Behind the Allegation
Hilbert’s comment stemmed from Singh’s past association with the Khalistan movement, which has been a point of contention for some people. In 2015, Singh attended an event where posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a leader associated with the violent Khalistan movement, were displayed. Some critics have pointed to this as evidence of Singh’s connection to the movement, but Singh has never faced charges related to terrorism in either Canada or India.
Singh has faced criticism for his political views, but his involvement in the Khalistan movement has never crossed into any illegal activity. Hilbert’s accusations, therefore, lacked a factual basis.
Economic Ties Between Saskatchewan and India
This incident also has economic implications for Saskatchewan, which has strong trade relations with India. The province exports over $1.3 billion worth of goods to India annually, including products like lentils, potash, and wheat. Saskatchewan’s economic interests with India could be strained if inflammatory rhetoric from local politicians affects diplomatic relations.
Saskatchewan’s farmers and business leaders rely heavily on trade with India, making it vital for politicians to carefully consider their words, especially when discussing sensitive issues that could damage these important relationships.
Political Landscape and the Role of Racquel Hilbert
The incident highlights the challenges faced by politicians like Jagmeet Singh, who are often subject to harsh scrutiny because of their background and beliefs. Singh, a Sikh leader in Canada, represents a community that has historically faced discrimination and marginalization. Unfortunately, remarks like Hilbert’s only serve to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and further divide Canadians along racial and religious lines.
The remarks made by Hilbert are not just a personal attack on Singh, but also an attack on the multicultural values that Canada strives to uphold. Canada’s strength lies in its diversity, and any rhetoric that seeks to divide people based on ethnicity or religion is detrimental to the country’s values.
Moving Forward: What This Means for the NDP and Saskatchewan
While the situation is difficult, it has also underscored the need for more respect in political discourse. Singh’s response shows his political maturity and his commitment to remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity. Moving forward, Singh will likely continue his advocacy for social justice and equality, regardless of the negative attention directed his way.
For Racquel Hilbert, this incident could mark a turning point in her political career. Although she has apologized, the damage to her reputation has been done. The Saskatchewan Party will need to decide whether to support her or distance itself from her divisive comments.
It’s crucial for the political climate in Saskatchewan to remain respectful and inclusive, especially as the province continues to develop its economic ties with India and other global partners.
Conclusion: A Call for Respect and Sensitivity
The events surrounding Racquel Hilbert’s comments highlight the importance of respectful dialogue in the political arena. Canada prides itself on being a multicultural society, and remarks like these only undermine the unity the country has worked hard to build. Political leaders, regardless of their affiliations, must be mindful of the language they use, especially when discussing sensitive issues like religion, race, and ethnicity.
As the controversy unfolds, it will be interesting to see how both the Saskatchewan Party and the NDP handle this situation. For now, Racquel Hilbert’s apology is a reminder of the impact that political language can have on public trust and national unity. If the province’s leaders can learn from this incident, it could lead to a more respectful and inclusive political environment in the future.