Gurwinder Dusanjh, the Liberal candidate for Sault Ste. Marie, issued a statement on Saturday evening on the suspension of Viresh Bansal's campaign by the Ontario Liberal Party.
Bansal, who was a candidate in Oshawa, was under fire after the Conservatives found a social media post from 2023.
In that post, Bansal responded to an NDP statement on the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government had “credible allegations” linking agents of the Indian government to the fatal shooting in B.C.
According to CTV, Bansal responded with the following message: “You can thank India for cleaning trash people. Ask your gay friend @JustinTrudeau to do the same.”
This week, Bansal apologized when the World Sikh Organization of Canada pressured Bonnie Crombie to remove him as a candidate.
Dusanjh was one of several people calling for his removal.
"At a time when anti-Sikh sentiment is rising at an alarming rate in Canada, we must be unwavering in our commitment to standing against all forms of hatred," he said in a statement on Thursday.
"The remarks attributed to Mr. Bansal have caused harm not only to LGBTQ+, Sikh and Christian communities, but to the very ideals of equality and mutual respect that define us. Leadership is measured not only in words but in actions, and it is imperative that we act decisively to uphold the integrity of our party," Dusanjh said.
On Saturday, he issued a statement thanking the Liberal Party for taking action.
"It is in good spirits that I write this in acknowledgement that the Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party has reaffirmed its principles by suspending Viresh Bansal’s campaign yesterday, thus fulfilling its moral duty," Dusanjh said on Facebook on Saturday.
Saultites have demonstrated the importance of standing together, he said.
"I want to thank those who have spoken out and made clear that these values of unity, inclusivity and respect must be upheld at all levels of leadership.
"Sault Ste. Marie: your voice matters and your expectation of accountability is both just and necessary in order to justify the trust you place in me as your representative. Our strong hearts and our stronger resolve to remain steadfast against hatred has prevailed," he said.
"Together we have advocated and enacted righteous change to ensure the moral foundation of this party is strong, upright and firm. We have just witnessed yet another powerful demonstration of our collective commitment to inclusion and equity made possible by tough yet necessary conversations, grassroots efforts and collaborative advocacy.
"I have a renewed faith in the Ontario Liberal Party; we truly are in the midst of the embers of a phoenix rising," he said.
"Now, we must look ahead. There is important work to be done- ensuring access to quality healthcare, strengthening the economic opportunities for families and creating an Ontario where everyone, regardless of background, faith, or identity, feels a sense of belonging. These are the values that will guide me as I seek to serve the Soo.
"I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving Sault Ste. Marie with love, relief and truth as my guiding principles & I look forward to the diligent work ahead," he said.