Canada’s top DEI official struggled to answer a simple question about whether she supports legalizing drug trafficking.
Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, was grilled by Conservative MP Jamil Jivani over the current Liberal government’s policies.
Jivani had asked the official about the country’s Black Justice Strategy, a document to help them tackle anti-Black racism in the justice system.
One of the suggestions put forward was the decriminalization of possessing a 30-day supply of drugs or hard drugs.
After repeatedly asking Khera if she supported that policy, she refused to give a straight answer.
Jivani continues, “Your government is calling this history-making and a milestone for black people in this country.
“I think it’s fair for Black people to look at it and say, is this what you want to do with our communities?
“Are you planning to decriminalize a 30-day supply of drugs in the name of diversity, equality and inclusivity? Why is this such a difficult question to answer?’
Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, seen here, was questioned by Conservative MP Jamil Jivani
Jivani had asked the official about the country’s Black Justice Strategy, a document to help them tackle anti-Black racism in the justice system
Amazingly, Khera replies: ‘Mr. Speaker, the member clearly does not understand what diversity, inclusion and equality actually means.”
Jivani quickly goes on the attack, quoting an EDI expert who said in a statement that EDI programs have worsened anti-Semitism in the country.
He continues, “Who deserves equality and inclusion in your mind?”
She gives a matter-of-fact answer, saying, “My goal is to make sure we create equal opportunities for everyone in this country.
“Doing that work requires fundamental changes to our institution, and you have to be deliberate about that change.”
Jivani keeps trying to interrupt her comments and says, “You can keep trying to filibuster if you want.”
After the chairman of the panel interrupts him, Jivani is allowed to continue his questioning.
He adds, “So when a college student from our country says that diversity, equity, and inclusion is hurting her community, your response is, ‘well, I’m just going to continue with these general fluff statements?’
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a fireside chat with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in Halifax on Monday, December 9, 2024
The Drug User Liberation Front distributes clean, tested doses of drugs during a demonstration demanding the legalization and regulation of safe alternatives to the toxic street drug supply in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, April 14, 2022
“She’s clearly asking you: How do you determine who deserves equality and who deserves inclusion? Why are there Canadians who feel left out by your DEI framework?”
Clearly upset, she then repeats a similar statement she made at the start of their conversation, saying: ‘The Honorable Member doesn’t really understand.
“He doesn’t understand that systems exist, that anti-Black racism, systemic racism really exists.”
He shared the video of their interaction on his Superficial, empty, hollow virtue signaling.”
Since he shared the video, he has been flooded with comments from people attacking Khera for her word salad.
One person commented: ‘Well done Jamil, she has shown her colors and where she stands in encouraging divisive politics under the guise of compassion.’
Another added: “Please tell me when the Conservatives take over, all these DEI ministries and programs will be removed and everyone working in them will be fired.”
Drug policy changes have been implemented across the country in recent years, following a rise in opioid deaths since the pandemic.
In 2022, British Columbia passed a law decriminalizing small-scale possession of certain drugs, including cocaine and MDMA, until 2025.
They hoped the policy change would help reduce overdose deaths by reducing the fear of arrest among those who need help.