Canada Calling: When Trudeau was booed at a Toronto mosque

In 2017, when then-U.S. President Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order barring the entry of nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, including refugees, Trudeau wasted no time in stepping up and announcing that Canada would throw open its doors to those affected. “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada,” Trudeau tweeted. His compassionate gesture resonated not only within the nation but around the globe, solidifying his image as a liberal, pro-immigrant leader.

Closer to home, this decisive act won over influential Muslim voters. During the subsequent two federal elections, in 2019 and 2021, even as his overall popularity waned, the Muslim voter base remained steadfast in its support. This was evident during my coverage of the last federal election. At that time, Trudeau was routinely confronting staunch opposition from an angry, predominantly white crowd protesting pandemic restrictions. At a rally in Caledon, the hostility was so palpable that Trudeau couldn’t even get down from his campaign bus. However, just a few days later, a mere 14 kilometers south in Brampton, Trudeau received a warm reception from an overwhelmingly South Asian crowd.

Inside that packed hall, a 70-year-old Muslim gentleman stood atop stacked chairs, eager to catch a glimpse of the PM. He later told me: “Trudeau did a lot for us. When Muslims were shunned everywhere, he opened the doors for us. He’s a great man, and we will vote for him. No question.”

Vote they did. In the last election, Justin Trudeau’s candidates emerged victorious in all 11 ridings in Mississauga and Brampton, two cities with substantial Muslim populations. However, considering the events of Friday, a repetition of this success in the next election seems unlikely.

(Daksh Panwar is an Ontario-based journalist and broadcaster. Twitter: @Daksh280)