Deputy Youth Chief Lance Copegog condemns Michelle Rempel’s undemocratic actions

CHRISTIAN ISLAND, ON (August 20, 2018) — Lance Copegog, the Deputy Youth Chief of the Beausoleil First Nation Youth Council, has released the following statement regarding Conservative MP Michelle Rempel’s (Calgary-Nose Hill) undemocratic actions:

“Today, Michelle Rempel blocked me on Twitter after I criticized her populist rhetoric.”

“I believe that all those who seek to benefit our country should be welcomed into Canada. Many people seek refuge in our nation because of war and persecution in their home countries. Canada is known internationally as a welcoming and accepting nation. Our reputation abroad is something to be proud of.”

“As the ‘Shadow Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship’, Ms. Rempel has used this role as a platform to amplify her divisive beliefs.”

“I stand by my position that her rhetoric is dangerous and not welcome in a country as great and welcoming as Canada. Instead of deepening division, leaders like Ms. Rempel should strive to build relations and heal the divide.”

“The action that she took in ‘blocking’ me on Twitter is undemocratic and deeply concerning. A Canadian politician should never ‘block’ or otherwise inhibit information from reaching a Canadian citizen. It’s a sad day for democracy when people like Michelle Rempel emulate autocratic behaviour that is commonplace in countries that many refugees flee from.”

“I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. This is a dangerous precedent that Michelle Rempel is setting.”

Lance Copegog is the Deputy Youth Chief of Beausoleil First Nation. 

Contact:

Lance Copegog, Deputy Youth Chief 

Beausoleil First Nation Youth Council

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