Canada's opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, has come under intense criticism after cancelling a Diwali celebration event set to take place at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The decision, made against a backdrop of strained India-Canada relations, has been met with disappointment and backlash from the Indo-Canadian community, particularly as the cancellation came without explanation from Poilievre’s office.
Shiv Bhasker, president of the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) and the event’s organizer, expressed frustration, calling the act 'discriminatory' and 'insensitive.' In a formal letter, he emphasized that Diwali is not just a festival for Indian Canadians but a representation of Canada’s multicultural spirit, which should unify the nation despite any diplomatic discord.
The event, scheduled for October 30 and previously hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty, was intended to foster cultural inclusion and celebrate diversity. However, Mr. Bhasker’s letter indicated that the cancellation, likely influenced by ongoing political tension between Canada and India, feels like a betrayal to the community. He stated, 'Our politicians have sent a message—intentionally or not—that we, as Canadians of Indian heritage, are somehow less Canadian because of our ancestral ties to India.'
In response to the perceived slight, the Indo-Canadian community has demanded an apology from Poilievre and called for measures to address what they describe as systemic discrimination. The community emphasized the need for tangible actions to reinforce Canada’s commitment to inclusivity, rather than general statements of support. Mr. Bhasker noted that the decision also pointed to underlying biases, which, if not addressed, risk further alienating Canadians of Indian descent.
To alleviate community frustration, the OFIC has arranged another Diwali event on November 23 at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Nepean. The move aims to offer the community an opportunity to celebrate Diwali in a welcoming environment, echoing the previous year’s celebrations led by Indo-Canadian parliamentarian Chandrasekhar Arya.
The India-Canada diplomatic relationship has deteriorated significantly following Canada’s allegations about Indian involvement with criminal organizations, including groups targeting South Asians. India has refuted these claims as “absurd” and “malicious,” asserting that no credible evidence has been provided by Canada.
The situation underscores a critical need for diplomatic prudence, as the Indo-Canadian community awaits an apology and a renewed commitment to celebrating the diversity that defines Canada’s multicultural identity.
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