'Zwarte Piet' debate reaches Canada

The Canadian politician, Joachim Stroink, who is from Dutch descent, was unsuspecting of the commotion he would cause when he posted a picture of himself on Twitter, with Sinterklaas en Zwarte Piet. The controversial picture caused so much commotion that Stroink removed it. In an article on Facebook the regional politician explains that he grew up with 'Zwarte Piet'.

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The tradition did not influence the way he views his neighbors and friends of African descent. He did not realize he might offend anyone by partaking in the Sinterklaas celebration.

Comments on social media made ​​it abundantly clear to the politician from the city of Halifax how sensitive the topic of 'Zwarte Piet' is. He now argues the debate about 'Zwarte Piet' and racism is worthy to be held.

Stroink is a newcomer in politics. He was elected in October as a deputy in the provincial parliament of New Scotland.