Chahal says Calgary will not win fight against racism unless it’s treated like one

CALGARY – Ward 5 Councillor George Chahal is sharing his story of dealing with racism in the wake of the incidents that happened this past weekend.

He says while many of his colleagues have condemned the recently-uptick in hatred, racism, and violence, words are not enough.

Chahal says we will not win this fight unless we treat it like one.

“We all have to stand up against racism and these hate crimes that are occurring in our city and in our community. And there should be no tolerance to allow any of this to happen and we must continue to call it out and ensure that all Calgarians feel safe,” said Chahal.

He says when his grandfather came to Calgary in 1972, he was a 65-year-old farmer who spoke no English, but loved his family, the Stampede, wrestling, and Canada.

Chahal says he was in awe of his grandfather’s strength as he was taunted, yelled at, spat on, and frequently assaulted with garbage.

Calgary police say hate crimes are on the rise, especially through the pandemic, with more cases involving Asian-Canadians.

“They have faced racism and they continue to face racism,” said Chahal.

“And that’s a concern. We live in an amazing country and a beautiful city and nobody in our city should feel hate towards them.”

Chahal, who sits on the Calgary Police Commission, is urging CPS to take more decisive action in dealing with recent protests that have seen anti-Semitic and racist paraphernalia.

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