Canadian Opposition Leader's Sudden Cancellation Of Diwali Event Sparks Outcry Among Indo-Canadians

Amidst an escalating diplomatic standoff with India, Canada’s Leader of Opposition has reportedly cancelled the annual Diwali event for the Indo-Canadian community at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the organisers of the annual event, received no official explanation regarding the cancellation, 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, 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: EU Hits Chinese EVs With Up To 45 Per Cent Tariffs, Beijing Gears Up For Retaliatory Measures