Canada opposition leader cancels Diwali event, slammed for 'discriminatory act'

The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the event's organiser, received no explanation for the cancellation of the Diwali celebration, originally set to be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty on October 30.

In Short

• No explanation was given for the cancellation, causing dismay among organisers
• India-Canada relations strained over allegations involving pro-Khalistan activities
• Organiser demands apology, calls act insensitive and discriminatory

Canada’s opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has cancelled the Diwali celebrations, slated to take place at Parliament Hill, amid the ongoing diplomatic row with India.

The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the event's organiser, received no explanation for the cancellation of the Diwali celebration, originally set to be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty on October 30.

The ties between India and Canada hit an all-time low after Ottawa alleged Indian diplomats were involved in collecting information and using criminal gangs for targeting members of the pro-Khalistan movement. India recalled its top envoy to Ottawa and expelled six Canadian diplomats from the country.

OFIC president Shiv Bhasker wrote a letter to Pierre Poilievre, expressing dismay over the decision.

In a letter to Pierre Poilievre, Bhasker wrote that several political leaders, who had attended the event in previous years, suddenly withdrew this year, leaving the community “feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out.”

OFIC President has called for an apology from Pierre Poilievre, condemning what he described as an “insensitive and discriminatory act.” He emphasised that while tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa are serious, they should not lead to unfair treatment of Canadians of Indian origin, who have no ties to the Indian government.

At the November 2023 Diwali celebration, Poilievre and then-High Commissioner of India to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, were among those who addressed the gathering, which saw around 540 guests in attendance.

“This is not just about a cancelled Diwali event or an event where the politicians renege on their commitment to attend; it is about a much deeper and insidious problem. Racism and discrimination are thriving in Canada, and this latest development has laid bare the systemic biases that still exist,” Bhasker wrote.