Muskoka, Ontario, Canada: Hardeep Grewal, a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario, revealed that he was subjected to a racist attack where individuals called him a “turban head.” Serving as the parliamentary assistant to the transportation minister, Grewal noted that while such incidents have occurred before, he chose to share this one on social media due to the emotional toll it takes. “Today in downtown Muskoka, while enjoying ice cream with my family, two strangers directed their hate towards us,” he shared online. “One shouted, ‘Hey turban head, go home,’ before driving away. Another passerby added, ‘You all should die.’ It was a stark reminder that combating hate remains an ongoing battle. But our resilience speaks louder. Ontario is our home and belongs to everyone,” he added.

Addressing the Sikh community, Grewal urged: “To my Sikh brothers and sisters, stay alert, stay proud, and stay strong. Hate does not win. Goodness will always prevail.”

Several Canadian politicians condemned the attack, affirming that discrimination and hatred have no place in Canadian society. Vijay Thanigasalam, the Sri Lankan-origin MPP for Scarborough, expressed: “I’m deeply saddened and angered by this incident. Hardeep exemplifies the highest ideals of public service. He has devoted his life to creating safer, more inclusive communities, leaving a lasting impression through his kindness and humility.”

Grewal was first elected to the Ontario Legislative Assembly in the 2022 provincial election, representing Brampton East as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. In that election, he defeated NDP candidate Gurratan Singh, the brother of Jagmeet Singh. He successfully secured re-election in 2025, winning by a margin of over 6,000 votes.