Moe calls xenophobic remarks against Shahab `idiotic'
During a news conference Monday, Premier Scott Moe again castigated xenophobia against chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab, who responded that racist comments thrown his way at a Regina rally this weekend say more about those who make them than about him.
The rally, held Saturday in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, was officially billed as a movement for freedom against COVID-19 restrictions. But one speaker used his remarks to disparage “foreigners” like Shahab, as he purported to stumble over the name of the well-known doctor.
At a Monday press conference, Moe called those comments “foolish” and “idiotic.”
“I'm actually very embarrassed that anyone from this province would make such disgusting comments,” said Moe. “I find it sickening and I know many other people in the province do.”
He ran through Shahab's long biography of academic and professional achievements, calling Shahab “among the very best.”
“We're very fortunate to have him in Saskatchewan,” said Moe. “He could have chosen anywhere in the world to go and practise his trade, but he didn't. He chose here, and Saskatchewan is certainly a better place because of the choice that he made.”
Shahab used the occasion to speak about the privileges he has as a doctor and a public servant. He said he worries more for others in a less comfortable position as they also endure prejudice.
“I think we should always be conscious of the people who don't have the privileges (that) for example someone like me has, and suffer great harm from such actions,” said Shahab.
NDP Leader Ryan Meili and Moe both posted statements on Twitter over the weekend to condemn the xenophobic comments, made amid other tirades against public health orders and the media at the rally, which attracted about 300 people and resulted in tickets against two organizers.
I'm actually very embarrassed that anyone from this province would make such disgusting comments.
Rally organizer Mark Friesen said he regretted the comments by one of the speakers, though he also said “people need a platform” as he argued for freedom of speech.