An Indian origin Jagmeet Singh created history in the country when he made his first appearance in the House of Commons as the first non-white leader of a major opposition party in the country.
As soon as the leader arrived into the house on Monday wearing a turban, he was cheered by all members, coincided with the induction of a senior woman member into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.
Singh, 40, the leader of the New Democratic Party, placed his hand over his heart as he walked into the House of Commons, the lower of the house of Parliament, before the daily question period.
He was elected in federal by-elections held on February 25.
Singh, as an elected lawmaker, talked about last week’s terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand, in which about 50 people were killed in the Pacific country’s worst-ever mass shooting.
“I want to begin by expressing our solidarity with the people of New Zealand who are mourning the attack on Muslim brothers and sisters… in Christchurch,” he said.
He then launched his first question about housing in Burnaby-South.
“I met a mom in Burnaby. She bought a home, but cannot afford to live there anymore. Her daughter has a good job but only gets by because she lives in the basement. Her son does not see the future. Like too many Canadians, he has lost all hope,” Singh said.
“However, the prime minister is telling families like theirs to wait for help. I believe that better is possible. Will the government commit to building half a million new affordable homes?” he asked.
Prime Minister Trudeau responded by congratulating Singh for his entry into the Commons, before touting the government’s record on fighting poverty.
By Sowmya Sangam
