Canada's opposition leader cancels Diwali event, Indian diaspora says 'unacceptable'

Last updated:October 30, 2024, 09:30 IST

The opposition leader's office in Canada canceled the Diwali celebration, sparking strong reactions from the Indian diaspora.

According to media reports, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Canada has canceled the annual Diwali event for the Indo-Canadian community on Parliament Hill due to a diplomatic standoff with India.

No explanations were given to the Indian diaspora group Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) – organizers of the event – about the cancellation of the event, which was scheduled for October 30.

The group highlighted the problem in an open letter in which it accused opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of “racial bias.”

Canada's latest move comes as the country's tensions with India have reached an all-time high in recent weeks following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.

What did the Indian diaspora group say about the cancellation of the Diwali event?

Shiv Bhasker, president of the Overseas Friends of India Canada, expressed dismay at the cancellation of the event and stated that the Leader of the Opposition's office had given no explanation for the event, which had been organized for 23 years and was attended by Hindus , Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs.

“However, the sudden withdrawal of political leaders from this event, triggered by the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left us feeling betrayed and unfairly excluded,” Bhasker said.

He expressed concern about the failure of Canadian leaders to attend the cultural event “especially at such a sensitive time,” sending a “clear message to Indo-Canadians that we are not viewed as compatriots but as outsiders.” .

“By canceling their participation, our political leaders have failed to make the necessary distinction between the Canadian-Indian community and the actions of the Indian government. “In doing so, they have inadvertently reinforced the very stereotypes and racial prejudices they claim to be opposing,” said the group’s president.

Systemic prejudice still exists: President of the Diaspora Group

Citing racism and discrimination in Canada, Bhasker said the renewed move to cancel the Diwali event only confirmed the “systemic prejudices that still exist.”

“This is not just about a canceled Diwali event or an event where politicians decide to honor their commitment to attend again; there is a much deeper, more insidious problem at stake. Racism and discrimination thrive in Canada and this recent development has exposed the systemic biases that still exist,” he said.

“This is unacceptable. “We are proud Canadians and our identity is rooted in this country, not in the political machinations of another nation,” he added.

Diaspora group demands apology for “insensitive act”

The group leader also demanded an apology for the “insensitive and discriminatory action” by the opposition leader's office and said they expect actionable measures to address the “systemic racism and bias that led to this decision.”

“We must commit to ensuring that no community in Canada feels like second-class citizens because of their cultural or ethnic background,” he said.

Bhasker further claimed that Pierre Poilievre had turned the celebration “which should have been a moment of unity into a moment of division” by distancing himself from the occasion.

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