Rodeo group in Alberta sorry for float that critics say was racist

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Some people who commented on the apology questioned the accusation of racism, noting the man in the turban and beard, who was not in blackface, was meant to depict federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as a Liberal lapdog.

Sundre Pro Rodeo said in its posts that it is committed to ensuring that entries will be reviewed in any future events to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

The Sundre Pro Rodeo does not approve the floats for the parade. That is entirely up to the parade committee! If we knew about that float, we would have NEVER approved it! the organizations Facebook post read.

Nobody had a clue that he had such profanity. So we are sorry.

George Chahal, a Liberal MP representing Calgary Skyview, condemned those responsible for what he called a despicable display of racism.

The Sikh community in Canada, of which I am a proud member, has a wide diversity of political perspectives, said a post on Chahals Twitter account.

More importantly, Sikhs have been a steady force for good in Alberta and across the country.

Jasraj Singh Hallan, a Conservative MP representing Calgary Forest Lawn, posted the float should be condemned in strongest terms by all.

This is absolutely disgusting. These kinds of acts have no place in Canada, he said in a Twitter post.

The Dashmesh Culture Centre, a Sikh community group in Calgary, said in a Twitter post that it welcomed representatives from the rodeo and parade committee to visit and learn about Sikhs.

We need to have serious conversations and actions to stop these forms of racism, the center wrote in a social media post.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2022.

The Canadian Press

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