Ignatieff Meets Lower Mainland South Asian Community Leaders: Commits to Protect Rights of South Asians In Light Of Recent Arrests in Metro TO

(Richmond BC, June 4th) Michael Ignatieff committed to stand up for the rights of the Canadian South Asian diaspora Sunday, in light of the recent arrests in Southern Ontario. Speaking to a gathering of Indian and Pakistani supporters in Richmond Mr. Ignatieff stated "I commit to you" that we will defend the rights of Muslim and South Asian Canadians in this difficult time - ensuring that we will do whatever we can to prevent a backlash against the larger community. Stating examples of IRA terrorism in the last century, Ignatieff indicated that we will continue to battle extremism through our justice system, as the nation we are building is beyond imported religious conflicts. Members of the community had stated that they feared potential backlash as a result of the recent news headlines concerning a supposed Ontario terror plot. Ignatieff's commitment brought a round of applause from the audience.

Speaking mainly about protecting and growing multiculturalism, expanding Liberal commitments to education, and continuing Liberal-initiated economic growth, Mr. Ignatieff captivated the audience with his charisma and effortless speaking style. He spent much longer than his scheduled time in individual conversations, and answered all questions raised by the crowd. He even paused for an impromptu autograph session.

WesternGrit spoke with a group of educators who attended the function. The group was very pleased with Mr. Ignatieff's plan for higher education in Canada. Ignatieff had committed to ensuring "everyone who wants to" can attend university.

Mr. Ignatieff went on to speak to members of BC's Chinese community, at appointments later Sunday.