A sign outside the mansion of Lululemon founder Chip Wilson has sparked controversy in British Columbia, with the B.C. NDP being called “communist” on the sign.
The sign, which reads “B.C. NDP = Communism” was put up outside Wilson’s mansion in Vancouver’s Point Grey neighbourhood. It has caused a stir among residents and politicians alike.
The B.C. NDP, led by Premier John Horgan, has been in power since 2017. The party’s platform includes policies such as increasing the minimum wage, implementing a wealth tax, and investing in affordable housing and healthcare.
Wilson, who founded the popular athletic apparel company Lululemon, has been known for his conservative views and support for the B.C. Liberal party. He has also been a vocal critic of the B.C. NDP’s policies.
The sign has been met with backlash from many, including B.C. NDP MLA Bowinn Ma, who represents the North Vancouver-Lonsdale riding. Ma took to Twitter to express her disappointment, stating that “this kind of rhetoric is not helpful or productive.”
Others have also spoken out against the sign, with some calling it “divisive” and “harmful.”
In response to the controversy, Wilson’s spokesperson, Sue Paish, stated that the sign was put up by a group of friends who were visiting the mansion and that Wilson had no involvement in it.
The B.C. NDP has not officially responded to the sign, but some party members have expressed their disappointment and called for more respectful political discourse.
This is not the first time Wilson has made headlines for his controversial views. In 2013, he faced backlash for stating that some women’s bodies “just don’t actually work” for Lululemon’s yoga pants.
The sign outside Wilson’s mansion has sparked a larger conversation about the state of political discourse in British Columbia and the need for respectful and productive dialogue.
As of now, the sign remains outside Wilson’s mansion, but it has certainly caused a stir and raised important questions about the role of politics and civility in our society.
