Conservative MP Michelle Rempel. Credit: Facebook
(Conservative MP Michelle Rempel. Credit: Facebook)
An Indigenous youth representative is calling out Conservative MP Michelle Rempel for blocking him on Twitter, saying this move sets a “dangerous precedent” for politicians facing criticism online.
Lance Copegog, the 17-year-old deputy youth chief of the Beausoleil First Nation Youth Council in southern Ontario, saw Rempel’s tweets earlier this month about immigration and the media. Rempel, the Conservative’s vice chair of the standing committee on Citizenship and Immigration, has been tweeting about the influx of refugees claiming asylum in Canada and asking the prime minister what he’s going to do about the “crisis at the border.”
In response to those comments, Copegog tweeted:
He said that within five minutes he noticed he had been blocked by Rempel, who represents the riding of Calgary Nose Hill. Copegog said he is not upset he was blocked, but finds it disturbing that an elected Member of Parliament is limiting access to information about her work in government and her stance on issues that concern all Canadians.
“It also shows that she is unable to tolerate an opposing viewpoint to her, so her solution to that is to block that, so she doesn’t receive that anymore. But what worries me is that, Michelle Rempel is setting a dangerous precedent for others to follow,” said Copegog.
Copegog has been working with the Beausoleil Youth Council for two years, representing the community’s youth and advocating in areas like child welfare, education and environment. He said he has never blocked anyone on social media for disagreeing with his stance on issues. Even though he is not yet old enough to vote, he is very concerned that adult politicians inhibiting the ability of the voting public to access information from elected officials and their political platforms.
He felt so strongly that he released a press release regarding the incident. He wanted to raise the concern regarding elected officials blocking citizens on social media.
“I’m not expecting Michelle Rempel to unblock me on Twitter but this is setting a dangerous precedent for others to follow. For other politicians who don’t want to take criticism, don’t want their political stance to be questioned, and I think in the future going forward, Michelle Rempel, she should really listen to a different range of viewpoints because as a politician, as an elected member of parliament, that’s her job,” he said.
Rempel did not reply to APTN’s requests for an interview.
You can read an endless list of ignorant racist tweets or you can block them, just like this post will either not be approved or will be removed for not being in total agreement with the writer. She uses twitter to reach people, not to argue with exceptionally ignorant people who have no idea that there is a pretty big world out there. There is a vibrant modern world out there inviting you to stand on your own two feet and join them.
You can read an endless list of ignorant racist tweets or you can block them, just like this post will either not be approved or will be removed for not being in total agreement with the writer. She uses twitter to reach people, not to argue with exceptionally ignorant people who have no idea that there is a pretty big world out there. There is a vibrant modern world out there inviting you to stand on your own two feet and join them.
Not surprised by her. I asked Sheer some hard questions on FB, during the last election, nothing ignorant or rude, I was polite, he blocked me. So needless to say, the Con didn’t get my vote and I have no respect for him.
It seems that Ms. Rempel takes her cues from Donald Trump. In his case the Federal Court stepped in and ordered him to restore all those Twitter users he had blocked in a fit of pique. Perhaps Ms. Rempel should stop emulating @realDonaldTrump and act more responsibly.
He has every right to ask his question(s) but to say the only people that should be concerned about illegals are the natives? All of us should be concerned and rightly so. So far the tab in Trudeau’s illegals is $270 million. Canadians have no issues with helping others, we have always done it. We have people that work and some can barely survive. Trudeau told an wounded vet they were asking for to much, we have people sleeping in our streets. That’s when the issue of illegals start to surface when we see the suffering of our own
You’re illegal. Unless you’re First Nations you’re illegal.
Wtf are Trudeau’s illegals?
This is Canada, not the USA. These people are fleeing hate and persecution. We are here to help. THIS. IS. CANADA.
It seems that Ms. Rempel takes her cues from Donald Trump. In his case the Federal Court stepped in and ordered him to restore all those Twitter users he had blocked in a fit of pique. Perhaps Ms. Rempel should stop emulating @realDonaldTrump and act more responsibly.
He has every right to ask his question(s) but to say the only people that should be concerned about illegals are the natives? All of us should be concerned and rightly so. So far the tab in Trudeau’s illegals is $270 million. Canadians have no issues with helping others, we have always done it. We have people that work and some can barely survive. Trudeau told an wounded vet they were asking for to much, we have people sleeping in our streets. That’s when the issue of illegals start to surface when we see the suffering of our own
You’re illegal. Unless you’re First Nations you’re illegal.
Wtf are Trudeau’s illegals?
This is Canada, not the USA. These people are fleeing hate and persecution. We are here to help. THIS. IS. CANADA.
Terrible gaff Michelle! Attack the Liberals like this:
Trudeau neglects Indigenous Folk
Imagine with me for a moment, a Canada where this young lad and his friends had access to good education, good jobs, a future full of opportunities, and a vision of their own. Imagine now, if we lived in a land as fortunate as the foreign and primarily Muslim nations that received huge payments of Canadian Money from Justin Trudeau for Development?
For we, the voting Canadians, Justin Trudeau is two years late, and a billion dollars short. Justin, this unfortunate death was on your watch. It was your fault. You, Justin Trudeau, pulled the trigger, when you allotted foreign folks money for foreign development before ‘Standing Tall’ for voting Canadians, and especially these young Indigenous voting Canadians. Justin Trudeau, you let us down and it ended in a nasty situation and an untimely death. Colton, this is for you, since you can hardly argue anymore.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/stanley-verdict-1.4532212
Was he being disrespecful.? Respect works both ways. Being indigenoud does not entitle you to bad behaviour. .This Trudeau driven anti conservative bias is revolting and the media needs to start being ovjective and get the real story instead of the JT pablum.
This *is* the real story. What “bad behaviour” are you referring to? Lance Copegog’s comments aren’t “Trudeau-driven” or anti-conservative. He wasn’t disrespectful or rude in any way. He articulately and succinctly expressed a valid point of view.
I’m all for women taking a more active role in politics — even women who see things differently than I do — and I expect any politician, regardless ofgender, to do their job and use their voices to help people, not silence them. If Rempel can’t deal appropriately with getting called on her bs, she should leave politics.
He has the right to ask the question. The same question that millions of Canadians are asking themselves but have the courage to ask. for the fear of retribution and being label a”Racist “. The fact is the The Candian Government or the the Crown has lost site of its obligations to the First Nation and Aboriginal and the internal problems issues in the country. It’s spends more time and efforts on its international image instead of attending to Canadian problems. We need a Government that will take of Canada first. Have better more sustainable immigration policies . It’s not being racist it’s about being fair to all Canadians We can’t afford to have New Immigrants come in on a Free ride.Welcome everyone but do it the right way through the right channels Our Country is becoming part of Global Government strategy
Michelle Rempels actions are completely unacceptable . I am much impressed with Mr Copegog’s comments and actions. A strong leader with a clear respectful voice.
Yes. That is her job….however..I think the politicians forgot that small little issue.I question this voting system when politicians promise the moon, then follow the agenda their party thinks it should be. Ummmm….Hello?? Sheep!
Terrible gaff Michelle! Attack the Liberals like this:
Trudeau neglects Indigenous Folk
Imagine with me for a moment, a Canada where this young lad and his friends had access to good education, good jobs, a future full of opportunities, and a vision of their own. Imagine now, if we lived in a land as fortunate as the foreign and primarily Muslim nations that received huge payments of Canadian Money from Justin Trudeau for Development?
For we, the voting Canadians, Justin Trudeau is two years late, and a billion dollars short. Justin, this unfortunate death was on your watch. It was your fault. You, Justin Trudeau, pulled the trigger, when you allotted foreign folks money for foreign development before ‘Standing Tall’ for voting Canadians, and especially these young Indigenous voting Canadians. Justin Trudeau, you let us down and it ended in a nasty situation and an untimely death. Colton, this is for you, since you can hardly argue anymore.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/stanley-verdict-1.4532212
Was he being disrespecful.? Respect works both ways. Being indigenoud does not entitle you to bad behaviour. .This Trudeau driven anti conservative bias is revolting and the media needs to start being ovjective and get the real story instead of the JT pablum.
This *is* the real story. What “bad behaviour” are you referring to? Lance Copegog’s comments aren’t “Trudeau-driven” or anti-conservative. He wasn’t disrespectful or rude in any way. He articulately and succinctly expressed a valid point of view.
I’m all for women taking a more active role in politics — even women who see things differently than I do — and I expect any politician, regardless ofgender, to do their job and use their voices to help people, not silence them. If Rempel can’t deal appropriately with getting called on her bs, she should leave politics.
He has the right to ask the question. The same question that millions of Canadians are asking themselves but have the courage to ask. for the fear of retribution and being label a”Racist “. The fact is the The Candian Government or the the Crown has lost site of its obligations to the First Nation and Aboriginal and the internal problems issues in the country. It’s spends more time and efforts on its international image instead of attending to Canadian problems. We need a Government that will take of Canada first. Have better more sustainable immigration policies . It’s not being racist it’s about being fair to all Canadians We can’t afford to have New Immigrants come in on a Free ride.Welcome everyone but do it the right way through the right channels Our Country is becoming part of Global Government strategy
she is disrespectful, typical cobservative action
Michelle Rempels actions are completely unacceptable . I am much impressed with Mr Copegog’s comments and actions. A strong leader with a clear respectful voice.
Yes. That is her job….however..I think the politicians forgot that small little issue.I question this voting system when politicians promise the moon, then follow the agenda their party thinks it should be. Ummmm….Hello?? Sheep!
she is disrespectful, typical cobservative action
As a First Nations member of this country I find this very disturbing. And here I was agreeing with the PCs on their political platform and was almost considering supporting them. Our Youth are our future and if you can’t listen to them then your ignoring the importance of humanity.
Pay attention Rompel and other Canadian leaders. He isn’t even old enough to vote yet so imagine what he and his peers (the fastest growing demographic in the country) will be like to deal with in 5-10 years. Stoodis.
The youth of Canada are no longer silent when it comes to addressing the short comings of elected officials such as Michelle Rempell. Blocking comments from the general public reeks of totalitarianism (Totalitarianism, form of government that theoretically permits no individual freedom and that seeks to subordinate all aspects of individual life) It is well noting that the voice in this case is that of the Indigenous people, namely Lance Copegog, of Beausoleil First Nation. SILENT NO MORE says it all for the younger generation of Canada. They will not be silenced.
Well put, Ernie.
Gene and Cathie McBride
As a First Nations member of this country I find this very disturbing. And here I was agreeing with the PCs on their political platform and was almost considering supporting them. Our Youth are our future and if you can’t listen to them then your ignoring the importance of humanity.
Pay attention Rompel and other Canadian leaders. He isn’t even old enough to vote yet so imagine what he and his peers (the fastest growing demographic in the country) will be like to deal with in 5-10 years. Stoodis.
The youth of Canada are no longer silent when it comes to addressing the short comings of elected officials such as Michelle Rempell. Blocking comments from the general public reeks of totalitarianism (Totalitarianism, form of government that theoretically permits no individual freedom and that seeks to subordinate all aspects of individual life) It is well noting that the voice in this case is that of the Indigenous people, namely Lance Copegog, of Beausoleil First Nation. SILENT NO MORE says it all for the younger generation of Canada. They will not be silenced.
Well put, Ernie.
Gene and Cathie McBride