Conservative MP Tim Upal apologizes for the role in the “division” of Harper’s policy

Conservative MP Tim Upal apologizes for the role in the “division” of Harper’s policy

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A former Conservative cabinet minister apologized for not opposing the Conservative Party’s cultural division policy during Stephen Harper’s era, including efforts to ban face masks at citizenship ceremonies.

Conservative MP Tim Uppal said in a Facebook post that he has been discussing with people how to make all Canadians feel safe after a fatal attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario this month.

As the Minister of State for Multiculturalism in the Harper Administration, Upal is a spokesperson for a bill that prohibits wearing a veil when taking an oath of naturalization.

In the 2015 re-election campaign, the party also proposed a “barbaric cultural practices” hotline, which people can call to report to the authorities what others call offensive practices.

Uppal said that after the Liberal Party defeated the Conservative Party in a poll, he spent more time talking to Canadians outside of the partisan political bubble.

“I sincerely apologize for my role”

He said it was through these conversations that he learned how the veil policy and other statements during the campaign alienated Muslim Canadians and exacerbated the growing Islamophobia in Canada.

He said in a Facebook post: “When it comes to these policies, I should use my seat on the table to oppose the division of ideas that encourage others.” Sincerely apologize.”

The then Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Muslim community members and Minister of Multiculturalism Jason Kenny (left), Senator Salma Atalakhcan (second from left) and Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Tim U Pal (four) delivered a speech at the iftar dinner from left, 24 Sussex in Ottawa on Monday, June 22, 2015. (Justin Tang/Canada Press)

Uppal said that many Canadians’ parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles come to this country because they believe it will provide their families with a safer and more prosperous future.

He wrote: “The core of what they believe in Canada is the belief that your race, religion, gender or sexual orientation will be accepted here.”

“It depends on all of us to make Canada a better place.”

Upal, who returned to parliament in 2019 after being defeated four years ago, said that because of his commitment to equality, he “proudly stands with Conservative Party leader Irene O’Toole.”

Asked on Monday whether the Conservative Party should apologize to the Muslim community for its past policies, O’Toole said that “all parties need to do better.”

“I am proud that my members are in contact with members of the Muslim community, trying to build trust with Canadians,” he said.

“We must build trust with more and more Canadians before the next election, and I am committed to that.”

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