'I am mortified to learn that you do not feel safe': Canadians react to Nunavut NDP MP's moving speech about racism on Parliament Hill
On Tuesday in the House of Commons, as MPs not seeking re-election delivered their farewell remarks, NDP MP for Nunavut Mumilaaq Qaqqaq shared how she has been racially profiled on Parliament Hill and called out the federal government's failures to address racism, discrimination and Canada's history "stained with blood" from oppression of Indigenous People.
"Every time I walk onto House of Commons grounds, speak in these chambers, I'm reminded every step of the way I don't belong here. I have never felt safe of protected in my position, especially within the House of Commons."NDP MP for Nunavut, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq
"Often having pep talks with myself in the elevator or taking a moment in the bathroom stall to maintain my composure. When I walk through these doors not only am I reminded of the clear colonial house on fire I am willingly walking into, I am already in survival mode. Since being elected I expect to be stopped by security at my workplace. I've had security jog after me down hallways, nearly put their hands on me and racial profile me as a member of Parliament."
She went on to say the federal government has had a "refusal and unwillingness" to change.
"The federal needs to change its own policies and procedures to reflect reality instead of creating barriers for people like me," Qaqqaq said. "I shouldn't be afraid of going into work, no one should be afraid of going into work."
"During my time in this chamber I have heard so many pretty words like reconciliation, diversity and inclusion. I have been called courageous, brave and strong by people outside of my party, but let me be honest, brutally honest, nice words with no action hurt when they are uttered by those with power over the federal institution and refuse to take action."
Following her message, Canadians took to social media to react to her remarks, supporting the NDP MP.
k̓ʷam̓k̓ʷəm̓ čxʷ ✊🏽hay čxʷ q̓ə \0/
Truth to power ❤️Your words inspire me to keep going. I watched that with my 5 year old daughter. I hope that she doesn't have to fight so hard later because of people like you. Radical love & solidarity ❤️— Rhiannon Bennett (@550_rhiannon) June 16, 2021
I felt so moved by your speech, so upset. My Canada should NOT be like this! Thank you for speaking truth to power. Change has to come and words like yours are needed to break the colonial rut we are stuck in. Wishing you all the best - keep up the struggle.
— YAC (@yacius) June 16, 2021
You are such a strong , intelligent , respectful woman . I am sorry you feel like you must leave . I have seen first hand only SOME of the cruelty and disrespect Indigenous peoples have suffered over the decades of my life . I pray your people NEVER give up your fight . Miigwetch
— Don Cowles (@DonCowles3) June 16, 2021
Powerful speech, Mumilaaq.
Really relate to the racism in the workplace from my time in my injustice system, getting hassled more than other coworkers by security guards at the courthouse.
I am sorry to see you go but I so respect your decision. The system is very broken.— T🍊ri the Dumb Lefty Canadian Radical (@RodneyTori) June 16, 2021
We are a lesser country for having failed you and continuing to fail our Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Your election was a sign of what can and must be, we will miss you and look forward to a brighter day to once again see you. Matna
— Andrew Bascombe (@AndrewNdp) June 16, 2021
Thank you so much ten full minutes of powerful words and for your strength to walk in their House as their Peer.
Clearly they have much work to do and even learn.
Your Light will forever shine with this speech.
Thank you so much for everything that you persevered.— George Nelson (@gnelsonII) June 16, 2021
You do belong in the HoC. You absolutely belong. I am mortified to learn that you do not feel safe there. I am disappointed tho not surprised that you do not feel empowered to affect the real change that we need to see in this country. Your absence will be a loss for us all.
— Phil Lacasse (@LacassePhil) June 16, 2021
While Qaqqaq is still an MP, she is calling on the government to support her amendments to the COVID-19 elections act, Bill C-19, to include Inuit languages on Canada's ballots in federal elections. She is asking Canadians to send an email to Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, in support of the change.