Canada: Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre Issues Clarification Over 'Diwali Event Cancellation' After Backlash From Hindus

After facing backlash from Hindu community in Canada over cancellation of an annual Diwali event, Canadian Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre,  who is likely to be the next Prime Minister when polls are held, has clarified that the event remains on schedule and has not been cancelled.

In a statement released by Poilievre’s office, which was shared by Indo-Canadian commentator Darshan Maharaja on X, it was clarified that only the event’s location and timing have been modified.

"To be clear, any suggestion that Mr. Poilievre has cancelled this event is patently false," the statement said.

The statement noted that the celebration will be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty.

"This event has always been hosted by a member of the Conservative Caucus, this year being MP [Todd] Doherty, and has never been organized by the Leader of the Opposition or his office. While there have been changes to the location and timing, MP Doherty will still be hosting an event to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas in Ottawa with members of the South Asian community and Conservative Caucus," the statement added.

According to the statement, Poilievre looks forward to celebrating these important cultural and religious occasions with Canadians in the coming days.

The clarification comes after the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the organisers of the annual event, received no official explanation regarding the cancellation of the event, which was scheduled for 30 October.

In an open letter, OFIC accused Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre of “racial bias.”

The move by Canadian opposition leader comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, which have intensified in recent weeks following last year’s killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Shiv Bhasker, President of OFIC, had expressed disappointment, noting that no reasons were provided for the cancellation by the office of the Leader of Opposition for the event which had been held for 23 years and had traditionally includes Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.

“However, the sudden withdrawal of political leaders from this event, prompted by the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left us feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out," Bhasker said.

Bhasker expressed concern over Canadian leaders’ absence at the cultural event “particularly at such a delicate time", sending a “clear message to Indo-Canadians that we are being viewed not as fellow Canadians, but as outsiders".

“By canceling their participation, our political leaders have failed to draw a necessary distinction between the Canadian Indian community and the actions of the Indian government. In doing so, they have unwittingly reinforced the very stereotypes and racial biases they claim to stand against," the group’s President said, News18 reported.

Bhasker mentioned the racism and discrimination in Canada and said that the fresh move to cancel the Diwali event has only affirmed the “systemic biases that still exist".

“This is not just about a canceled Diwali event or an event where the politicians decide to reengage on their commitment to attend; it is about a much deeper, more insidious problem. Racism and discrimination are thriving in Canada, and this latest development has laid bare 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.

OFIC chief also demanded an apology for what he termed an “insensitive and discriminatory act” by the Leader of Opposition’s office, urging concrete steps to address the “systemic racism and bias that led to this decision".

“We need to see a commitment to ensuring that no community in Canada is ever made to feel like second-class citizens because of their cultural or ethnic background," he said.

Bhasker further alleged that Pierre Poilievre turned the celebration event, “what should have been a moment of unity into one of division", by distancing himself from the occasion.

Also Read: Continuing Tradition, PM Modi Celebrates Diwali With Soldiers In Gujarat's Kachchh