“Justin is a dynamic, energetic Prime Minister, one that all Canadians can all be proud of.”: Shaun Chen

How did you start your political career?

I have always been passionate about the community. When I was in high school, I remember enjoying most my volunteer work and giving back to the community. I started university studying computer engineering, following my older cousins, as they were my role models. But I quickly realised that public service was my calling. I started a part-time job with a city councillor, and that really solidified my desire to serve the people. When i graduated from university, I decided to put my name forward for school board trustee. I wanted to create a more inclusive, more just society, by making sure the education system reflected that. After nine years as a school board trustee, many people encouraged me to pursue higher office. In 2014, I decided to pursue the Liberal nomination in my constituency. It has led me to today. I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to be able to continue serving the people of Scarborough.

Was it immigration, that stirred you to take up a political career here?

I was born in Canada, but my parents moved here in the early 1970s from India. They were born and raised in Kolkata. My grandparents emigrated from China to India. We are Hakka Chinese. I consider myself as a part of a very unique space, which has shaped my work and informs my perspective on issues like immigration. My father always told me that it was Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, father of our current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who opened Canada’s doors to immigration, championed  multiculturalism, and established our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which ensures each and every Canadian, no matter whom they are or where they come from, is equal before and under the law. These values have shaped the unique identity of our country. It has inspired me to give back.

So, growing up as an Asian kid, did you come across any discriminations?

When I was in elementary school, Scarborough was not diverse as it is today. Often times, I was the only Asian kid here in my class, so I know what it feels like to be different. I know what it is like to be made fun of, to have derogatory names called to your face. It is unacceptable, but I always tried to remember the saying, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Everything that has happened to me has led me to this day, to the work I do, and it has shaped me to have empathy for others no matter how different they are from me.

How do you tackle such racial discriminations in your constituency? What about the Black Lives Matter issues around here?

Whenever we see a group of people come together to fight for change, it is essential that we listen – not just to hear what they are saying, but to try to put ourselves into their shoes, to understand what their lived experiences are. There are real issues that must be acknowledged, like police carding and how it disproportionately affects young Black men. I am a big believer in working together to find solutions. It is through dialogue that there can be greater understanding, and we must always stand together to fight against all forms of racism and discrimination. That is Canadian way. Equality is enshrined in our Charter, but that is just words – it takes brave individuals to make social equality a reality.

You have supported the anti-Islamophobia campaign by tweeting once “Congrats @iamIqraKhalid @frankbaylis on tonight's reception recognizing the record 69,742 signatures on petition e-411 against Islamophobia”, How's Canada faring with regards to such issues?

Canadians are from diverse backgrounds, religions, colours, ethnicities, and this is what makes us so unique. When we see hatred against a particular religion, or targeting of any sort against any particular group, we must all be concerned. Today it may be Islamophobia, and tomorrow it could be against some other religion or group. That is why I strongly supported the e-petition against Islamophobia, because there is no place for hatred against Muslims in Canada or anywhere in the world. When we see discrimination and social injustice, we must all stand up and speak out against it.

Canada has been garnering a lot of praise for a lot of good activities and initiatives, but the cynic/critic still says that it lives under the shadow of the US. President Trump, recently stated that Canada is an extension of the US. Your take on it?

Canada is friends with the United States. They are our closest ally and neighbour. Obviously Canada is an independent democratic nation, but our links to the United States run deep. We will continue to work with the U.S. in numerous ways, be it trade, investment, or our strong people-to-people ties. Our proximity makes the Canada-U.S. relationship necessary and unique, and we only want it to grow and become stronger.

Were you surprised by the way Donald Trump made his mark in the US Presidential elections?

The United States is our closest ally, neighbour and friend, so regardless of which party is in power or whom sits in the presidential seat, Canada and the U.S. will continue to work together. At the end of the day, we will find common ground as governments that wish to create jobs and opportunities, and ensure a strong middle class in our respective countries.

Now that Trump is sworn in as the President of US do you think it will affect the US-Canada relation? What's the mood like?

We have many shared agreements and treaties that are important for both countries. I believe that Canada and the United States will continue to work together, to further our tradition of positive relations, one that will serve both of our countries well.

What's your plan from here on? Given a chance, would you run for Prime Minister's post?

It is definitely not on my radar! I am focused on my current roles and responsibilities as an MP. My only plan is to serve the people and my community in the best way possible.

In two sentences tell us about Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister.

Justin is a dynamic, energetic Prime Minister, one that all Canadians can all be proud of. Whether it is demonstrating leadership on a global scale on issues like the environment, or welcoming Syrian refugees, Canada is contributing to make the world a better place, and Justin is our greatest champion.

Coming back to your India connection, as a politician, how do you see the Indian Prime Minister’s recent move regarding demonetisation?

The situation in India is unfolding with many arguments on both sides. I have heard the rationale of demonetisation as a way of eliminating counterfeit money, but I can also see how a change of this magnitude could be met with difficult challenges. I believe that any democratically elected government would want to work for the benefit of its people, so I can only hope in this case that any problems will be eventually overshadowed by the betterment of a nation.

Interviewed by Suman Das, Sudipto Maity; Compiled by Debarati Mukherjee