It’s worth remembering that one of the most memorable refrains from the Liberals’ winning 2015 election campaign — “a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian” — was actually borrowed from the longest-serving Conservative MP in Parliament.
His name is Deepak Obhrai and, in 2014, he challenged then-immigration minister Chris Alexander on controversial legislation that allows the federal government to revoke the citizenship of dual citizens convicted of terrorism or treason.
Obhrai told Alexander in the House of Commons that equality under the law was a fundamental right, no matter what.
“A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian,” Obhrai said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ended up repeating that phrase the night he captured a majority government.
Obhrai is now running for Conservative leader. So is Alexander, whose biggest moment so far has been standing idly by as some in an Edmonton crowd chanted to “lock up” Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
Few are giving Obhrai, the affable 66-year-old Calgary MP and dean of the Tory caucus, much of a chance.
'Nothing candidate'
Obhrai has even called himself a “nothing candidate” with no platform or love from the media.
But those who have watched the first two Tory leadership debates can’t help being charmed by the veteran politician, who was born in Tanzania and immigrated to Canada in 1977. Even with 14 people on stage, he often steals the show. On his own terms.
Obhrai, who convinced his party to lower its membership fees last spring by warning that it risked turning into an “elitist and white-only” club, has spoken out passionately on human rights and diversity.
He has called out a leading contender who wishes to screen immigrants for so-called “anti-Canadian values.”
And, with humour and an unconventional approach, he often seems like a fun uncle reminding the young and ambitious they must respect their elders.
Deepak Obhrai sure looks like he’s having a blast. (Watch the video.)
Also on HuffPost
