Canada‘s opposition chief Pierre Poilievre on Wednesday issued a clarification after studies emerged a couple of canceled Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill.
A press release from Poilievre’s workplace addressed the scenario, explaining that the choice was made swiftly and confirmed that Diwali celebrations would proceed as deliberate.
“To be clear, any suggestion that Mr. Poilievre has cancelled this occasion is patently false. This occasion has at all times been hosted by a member of the Conservative Caucus, this 12 months being MP Doherty, and has by no means been organized by the Chief of the Opposition or his workplace. Whereas there have been modifications to the situation and timing, MP Doherty will nonetheless be internet hosting an occasion to have a good time Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas in Ottawa with members of the South Asian neighborhood and the Conservative Caucus,” the assertion learn.
“Mr. Poilievre seems to be ahead to celebrating these essential cultural and spiritual events with Canadians within the coming days,” it added.
This comes a day after the Hindu neighborhood leaders in Canada expressed issues that the perceived withdrawal from the Diwali occasion indicated exclusion of their neighborhood.
In an open letter, OFIC president Shiv Bhasker expressed disappointment over the cancellation. “It’s with excessive disappointment and disappointment that I’m scripting this letter to you [Pierre Poilievre] to voice our dismay on the Workplace of the Chief of the Opposition cancelling the twenty fourth Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill. The failure of the politicians to attend this essential cultural occasion, notably at such a fragile time, sends a transparent message to Indo-Canadians: that we’re being considered not as fellow Canadians however as outsiders who’re by some means linked to the political actions of a rustic many people have ancestral ties to however no direct reference to. This occasion was meant to be a joyous event to honor Diwali. But, the sudden withdrawal of political leaders has left us feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out.”
The incident comes within the wake of strained relations between Canada and India, after Justin Trudeau accused India’s involvement within the homicide of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
This example has led to diplomatic tensions and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from India in mid-October. India additionally recalled its Excessive Commissioner and a few diplomats over allegations which have repeatedly been dubbed “baseless” by the ministry of exterior affairs.
