Newly-elected Liberal MP Linda Lapointe stumbled out of the starting gate with a Facebook photo of her in a Halloween costume wearing a coolie hat and a “Asian” style jacket.
CBC News Lapointe’s wardrobe choice raised the ire of Laurin Liu, the Montreal riding’s former NDP MP and a Chinese Canadian.
“I can’t imagine how a little girl would feel on Halloween upon seeing her MP wearing a costume based on an ethnic stereotype of her culture,” said Liu. “I am not sure she understands how hurtful her actions were, and if she does, I want her work in Parliament to reflect cultural inclusion and tolerance.”
Lapointe has removed the photos from her Facebook page and apologized.
“I regret if my choice offended anyone, but it was not at all my intention.”
You can read social media reaction to the controversy on CBC News.
