Is Multiculturalism in Crisis?

On October 1, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the oldest leader of the three major federal political parties. Ontario MPP Jagmeet Singh had just been elected leader of the federal New Democrats, grabbing 53.8 percent of the vote in the first (and only) round of a four-person race. It was a remarkable achievement that was documented by newspapers beyond our borders. Prior to running for the leadership, Singh had built a reputation for himself as a smart criminal defence lawyer, a natty fashion-forward dresser, and the deputy leader of the Ontario NDP. He had risen to power despite lacking the connections to the Ottawa bubble, not to mention the profile of a House of Commons soapbox, which his three opponents had. Yet media coverage gave the distinct impression that the shade of his skin and colour of his turban were his distinguishing characteristics as a politician. Singh was lauded most for having the random fortune of being born to two immigrant parents who came...