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DSU's representatives have a responsibility to represent and respect all students, even those who hold views that differ from their own

It is concerning that Khan fails to recognize that, as a student representative, she has a responsibility to represent and respect all students, even those who hold views that differ from her own. Moreover, the DSU should avoid claiming that it speaks for the whole student body, or that it represents the views of Indigenous people as a whole. At a minimum, its claims that it is acting in solidarity with Indigenous people contradict the position of the Native Council of Nova Scotia, which proudly acknowledges that the “Aboriginal Peoples of Canada are a part of this great Federation of the Peoples of Canada.” On its website, the NCNS advocates for eliminating disadvantage by working together and recognizing that we are all united “in the promise that is Canada.” DSU’s divisive actions and rhetoric are diametrically opposed to such reconciliatory efforts.

Contrary to DSU’s claims, Canada is a welcoming country. We are blessed to be one of the most tolerant and multicultural nations in the world, where all individuals are free to pursue their dreams, regardless of their backgrounds. It is because of this reputation that millions of individuals have fought to come here, and have fought to defend our country and values abroad.

Canadians have much to be proud of, and plenty to celebrate on this 150th year. I am a graduate student at Dalhousie University and I am not ashamed to be Canadian. To the contrary, I am proud to be a part of what the NCNS calls a great Federation of the Peoples of Canada. I am proud to be Canadian.

National Post

Michael Smith is a graduate student in history at Dalhousie University.

Update:This op-ed has been updated to reflect that there have been different interpretations of how Masuma Khan reacted to Mary MacDonald’s comments.