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South Okanagan barber berated after opening new shop

Click to play video: 'South Okanagan barber berated after opening new shop'
South Okanagan barber berated after opening new shop
South Okanagan barber berated after opening new shop – Oct 16, 2020

A South Okanagan barber found himself on the receiving end of racially-charged comments when he was confronted by his competition. 

The barber, Surjit,  caught the incident on video.

Surjit, a South-Asian man who’s lived in Canada for eight years, opened his newest barber shop in Osoyoos at the beginning of the month.

Three days later, Suzanne Gerrard, who owns a nearby barber shop, paid him a visit.

In the video, Surjit was confronted with a lecture and some pointed comments regarding his ethnicity.

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“Do you not understand how, especially being new in this country, is stepping on toes? And undercutting? We don’t need another barber in this town,” said Gerrard in the video.

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Surjit says the shocking encounter prompted him to emotionally withdraw — even closing his shop for a few days.

“I’m really upset for two to three days,” said Surjit. “My family was wondering why I was so upset.”

When confronted about her behaviour and language, Gerrard insists she’s not a racist but remains disappointed his barbershop was granted a licence so close to hers and three other barber shops. 

“It’s great they issued him a licence. It’s a free country, but not so close. It’s bad taste; it’s disrespectful for everyone,” said Gerrard.

She’s also concerned about his competitive pricing during the current economic times. 

“We can’t compete with those prices $10-15. It’s not something we can compete with especially right now just getting back to work just getting to earn a living again,” said Gerrard.

Surjit has since reopened and is moving forward with his business plan.

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“Yeah don’t worry for haters. Hard work, then you grow,” said Surjit.

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