Parliamentary Microaggression

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, comments or actions that convey a prejudiced or discriminatory attitude towards a member of a marginalized group. These behaviors are typically brief and may seem harmless on the surface, but they can accumulate over time, leading to significant emotional harm for the person on the receiving end.

Microaggressions can be verbal (e.g., a comment), non-verbal (e.g., a gesture), or environmental (e.g., the way a space is arranged). Here are some examples:

• Verbal Microaggressions: “You speak English so well!” (implying that the person, due to their appearance, is not expected to speak English fluently).
• Non-verbal Microaggressions: Clutching your purse or backpack tighter when walking past someone from a specific racial group.
• Environmental Microaggressions: A lack of representation of diverse groups in media, workplaces, or educational materials.

Microaggressions can target various aspects of a person’s identity, including race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and more. While the intent behind a microaggression might not be malicious, its impact can still be significant, as it reinforces stereotypes and perpetuates systemic inequalities.

Addressing microaggressions involves increasing awareness, educating oneself and others, and fostering environments where everyone feels respected and valued.

“Elbowgate” refers to an incident involving Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on May 18, 2016, in the House of Commons. During a heated parliamentary session, Trudeau physically approached a group of opposition MPs to guide the Conservative Party Whip, Gord Brown, to his seat. In the process, Trudeau inadvertently elbowed NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau in the chest.

The incident sparked immediate controversy. Opposition MPs accused Trudeau of using physical force and creating a tense environment in the House. Trudeau quickly apologized for his actions, both immediately after the incident and multiple times thereafter, acknowledging that he unintentionally made contact with Brosseau and expressing regret for what happened.

The incident was widely covered in the media, and the term “Elbowgate” was coined to describe the event. It became a significant moment in Trudeau’s tenure as Prime Minister, drawing both criticism and discussions about parliamentary conduct.