Canada’s opposition leader Pierre Poilever has canceled Diwali celebrations that were scheduled to take place at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, sparking a backlash from the Indian community. The move comes amid diplomatic tensions and deteriorating ties between the two countries – particularly after Canada alleged that Indian diplomats were involved in targeting Khalistanis.
According to the organizer of the Diwali event, Shiv Bhaskar – who is also the president of Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) – did not receive any explanation for the cancellation of the events.
Calling it a “discriminatory” and “insensitive” act, Mr. Bhaskar wrote in a letter to Mr. Poilever: “The event was intended to be a joyous occasion to celebrate Diwali, a festival that cannot be Not only is the Canadian community very important but also a symbol of the multiculturalism that Canada prides itself on. There is a sense of injustice.”
The event will be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty on October 30.
“This development, while deeply concerning, should never have been the result of unfair treatment of Canadians of Indian descent, who have nothing to do with the actions or decisions of a foreign government,” the letter reads. “
According to the event’s organizer, racism and discrimination are “on the rise” in Canada.
“This latest development has exposed the systemic biases that still exist. Our politicians, by disassociating themselves from these cultural events, have, intentionally or not, sent the message that we, of Indian heritage K Canadians are not fully part of this nation, that we are somehow less Canadian because of our ancestral ties to India.
The Indian community has demanded an apology from the rival of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“More than just words, we expect a clear and actionable process to address the systemic racism and prejudice that led to this decision. Real change,” the letter read.
According to Mr. Bhaskar, the letter represents the collective voice of the Indo-Canadian community, adding that they reject the way the country perceives and behaves as a “foreign government dictates” actions.
Following the backlash, the Overseas Friends of India Canada office issued an apology for canceling the event and organized another celebration on November 23. The event will be held at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Nepean.
Last year, a similar Diwali event was held at Parliament Hill in Canada, hosted by Indo-Canadian parliamentarian Chandrasekhar Arya.
India-Canada diplomatic relations are on a downward spiral due to PM Trudeau’s repeated and unsubstantiated claims – that Delhi “agents” conspire with criminal groups, including the Lawrence Bishnoi outfit, to “target” the country. (() to South Asians”.
India has vehemently denied links to his death, calling them “ridiculous” and “malicious” and repeatedly pointing out that neither Mr. Trudeau nor his government had any involvement. Concrete evidence has been shared.