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April 5th, 2019

NDP to Introduce Motion Requiring Minister Goodale Appear Before Committee and Answer Questions Regarding his Decision to Name Sikh and Muslim Communities as Extremists

OTTAWA – Last Wednesday, NDP Public Safety Critic, Matthew Dubé, notified the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security of his intention to move a motion to invite the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale, to appear before committee and answer questions related to the 2018 Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada, tabled in Parliament on December 11, 2018.

Dubé introduced the motion after sending a letter to the Minister last December, which the Minister did not answer. Dubé’s letter raised questions about the concerns expressed by Canadians regarding the labelling of Sikh and Muslim communities as extremists. His letter also raised the dangers of this labelling and its potential to lead to inappropriate stereotypes and stigmas.

While speaking to the Committee on Wednesday, Dubé introduced the following motion:

“That the Committee invite the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to appear before it no later than June 21, 2019 to respond to and take questions on the 2018 Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada tabled in Parliament on December 11, 2018.”

Dubé went on to state that, “we've heard from communities that are named in this report that there is concern over what impact it can have.” He added, "It's become pretty clear that there needs to be rethinking of how these groups are identified in these reports and a better understanding of the thought process behind the decisions.”

Jagmeet Singh and New Democrats believe Canadians deserve better and are calling on all Liberal and Conservative Members of the Committee to support their motion to have the Minister appear before Committee and answer these questions that important to the Sikh and Muslim communities.