Brampton MPP Hardeep Grewal Confronts Racial Slurs During Family Trip to Muskoka
Brampton, ON — Brampton East MPP Hardeep Grewal has spoken out following a disturbing incident in which he and his family were subjected to racial slurs and threats while visiting Muskoka, a popular Ontario tourist destination.
Grewal said the incident occurred while his family was out for ice cream, when a passerby in a vehicle shouted, “Hey turban head, go home,” before speeding away. Moments later, another individual walking by told the family, “You all should die.”
“In that moment, I was reminded that the fight against hate is far from over. But our strength is louder. Ontario is our home. It belongs to all of us,” Grewal wrote in a post on social media.
Grewal, who has been elected twice to represent Brampton East at Queen’s Park, described the slurs as “exhausting and painful,” adding that this was not the first time he has encountered such racism. However, he said he felt compelled to speak out publicly to highlight that hate remains a lived reality for many communities.
Condemnation from Leaders
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown strongly condemned the incident, calling it “shameful.”
“It’s shameful he has had to endure this type of bigotry and hate. Hardeep works hard for Brampton and as an MPP at Queen’s Park. His family is a Canadian success story. Bigots don’t reflect the Canada I know and love,” said Brown.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also expressed his disappointment and voiced his support for Grewal.
“Hardeep is a dedicated public servant and a valued member of our party and caucus. I’m extremely disappointed he had to experience this hateful language. Our province is built on the kind of respect, diversity and inclusion that make our communities stronger,” Ford said in a statement.
Message to the Sikh Community
In his statement, Grewal urged members of the Sikh community and other racialized groups to remain vigilant and proud:
“Stay vigilant, stay proud, and stay strong. Hate never wins. Good will always triumph,” he said.
Local media outlets have reached out to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to confirm whether the incident has been reported, but no responses have been received as of publication.
Grewal was first elected as MPP for Brampton East in 2022 and re-elected in the 2025 provincial snap election.