Canada: ‘No Punjabi’, ‘No Islam’ posters put up on door of Brampton Councillor Navjit Kaur Brar’s home
Jagmeet Singh, Ontario legislator condemn alleged hate messages amid municipal election campaign
Babushahi Bureau
Brampton (Canada), October 25, 2026: Controversial posters carrying messages such as “No Punjabi” and “No Islam” were reportedly displayed on the glass door of a residence associated with Brampton city councillor Navjit Kaur Brar, triggering concerns over alleged hate and discrimination during the municipal election campaign in Ontario, Canada.
Brar, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal polls, shared a photograph of the posters on social media and criticised the messages directed against Punjabi and other communities. The image also appeared to show a red cross mark drawn over her face.
Reacting to the incident, Brar said it was deeply concerning to see hostility directed at Punjabis and other communities within their own neighbourhoods. She questioned how a delivery worker, postal employee or Punjabi volunteer approaching such a home might feel when confronted with messages suggesting that people from their community were unwelcome.
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A post shared by Navjit Kaur (@navjitkaur.brar)
She said attempts to blame Punjabi neighbours or members of other communities for wider social problems could deepen divisions and create mistrust among residents.
Brar also emphasised that the alleged messages should not be taken as a reflection of Brampton as a whole, saying the city’s identity and that of its Punjabi community were rooted in solidarity, cooperation and community spirit.
Jagmeet Singh and Local Leaders Condemn Hate
Several political leaders and public representatives expressed support for Brar following the incident.
Jagmeet Singh, a prominent Canadian New Democratic Party leader, voiced support for the councillor, praised her response and backed her continued service to Brampton and its Punjabi community.
Ontario Progressive Conservative legislator Graham McGregor also condemned hostility towards Punjabis and other minority communities, describing such conduct as unacceptable. Local councillor Martin Medeiros similarly spoke against messages targeting Punjabi residents and other communities.
Incident Sparks Debate Over Discrimination
The photograph prompted reactions on social media, with members of the Punjabi diaspora and others expressing concern about discrimination against ethnic and religious communities.
Some commentators stressed the significant contribution of Punjabis to Canada’s social and economic life and said community-based hostility had no place in public life. Others highlighted the distinction between an individual’s right to support or oppose a candidate in an election and the use of messages targeting an entire ethnic or religious group.
The incident has brought renewed attention to questions of racism, religious tolerance and community relations during Brampton’s municipal election campaign.