Harjit Sajjan has allegedly faced racist remarks by a soldier on social media
Harjit Sajjan has allegedly faced racist remarks by a soldier on social media
Toronto
: Canada's newly-appointed Sikh Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has allegedly faced racist remarks by a soldier on social media, prompting the Canadian Armed Forces to launch a probe.
The military declined to identify the soldier or precisely what was written, but a source said the non- commissioned member from Quebec, made an -"inappropriate statement-" on Facebook about India-born Sajjan's -"ethnic background-", The Globe and Mail reported.
Sajjan immigrated to Canada from India when he was a young boy.
The offensive post, which was written in French, was quickly removed.
A Forces spokesman said the army's chain of command is probing the matter.
Sajjan is a decorated military veteran who served three tours of duty for the Forces in Afghanistan, and one in Bosnia, and worked as a detective in the Vancouver Police Service.
The incident of disrespect to the minister prompted Chief Warrant Officer Kevin West to send an e-mail to soldiers warning against such conduct, the newspaper said.
He lamented the fact a high-ranking member of the Forces made -"negative-" comments about the minister and warned them against disrespectful behaviour, adding that to say he is angry would be an understatement.
The Forces issued a strong statement Wednesday condemning the behaviour.
-"We are very much aware of an incident in which a Canadian Armed Forces member wrote inappropriate comments on social media about the new Minister of National Defence,-" Forces spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier said.
-"Racist attitudes are not compatible with military ethos and with effective military service. Any conduct that reflects such attitudes will not be tolerated,-" he said.
-"The institution is entirely committed to the principle of equality of all people and the dignity and worth of every human being,-" the Forces spokesman said.
-"As previously stated by Chief of the Defence Staff Jonathan Vance, bullies have no place in the organisation.-"
