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Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill canceled amid India-Canada tensions
The cancellation comes amid a diplomatic row between Canada and India, fueled by Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre / Facebook
A highly anticipated Diwali celebration on Canada’s Parliament Hill, organized by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) and Conservative MP Todd Doherty, was unexpectedly canceled by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, just days before the event, sparking dismay among the Indo-Canadian community. The event, set for Oct.30, was called off without explanation, leaving the community questioning the motive behind the cancellation.
The cancellation comes amid a diplomatic row between Canada and India, fueled by Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has denied these claims, accusing Canada of harboring extremists tied to the Khalistani movement. The strained relationship between the two countries appears to have affected the Diwali celebration, which had been held annually on Parliament Hill for the past 23 years.
OFIC President Shiv Bhasker expressed the community’s frustration in a letter addressed to Pierre Poilievre, highlighting the event’s significance and voicing concerns over what he perceives as the political sidelining of Indo-Canadians. "This event was meant to be a joyous occasion to honor Diwali, a festival that is not only deeply significant to the Indo-Canadian community but also emblematic of the multicultural spirit that Canada prides itself on,” Bhasker wrote. He criticized the cancellation as a response to the current diplomatic crisis, arguing that it unfairly targets Canadians of Indian descent.
In his letter, Bhasker accused political leaders of failing to distinguish between the Indo-Canadian community and the actions of the Indian government, writing, "The failure of the politicians to attend this important cultural event, particularly at such a delicate time, sends a clear message to Indo-Canadians: that we are being viewed not as fellow Canadians, but as outsiders.”
The letter further addressed deeper issues of racism and discrimination, calling the incident “a reflection of systemic biases” that continue to persist in Canadian society. Bhasker urged the Leader of the Opposition to acknowledge the harm caused, demand an apology, and outline an actionable response to prevent similar incidents in the future. “We expect a clear and actionable course of action to address the systemic racism and bias that led to this decision," he emphasized, noting that the Indo-Canadian community is a vibrant and integral part of Canada’s social fabric.
Meanwhile, Canadian journalist Daniel Bordmann condemned the cancellation on social media. “Shameful and cowardly behaviour which really throws into question the notion that Poilievre has the backbone to be a successful leader,” Bordmann tweeted, adding that the decision seemed driven by a fear that the Liberals and media might accuse the Conservatives of foreign interference.
The letter concluded with a reminder of the community’s contributions to Canada, highlighting that Indo-Canadians are deeply invested in the nation's prosperity and uphold the values of inclusivity. "We are business owners, professionals, academics, artists, and community leaders. We are your neighbors, your colleagues, and your friends,” Bhasker wrote. He added a reminder for political leaders of the potential electoral impact of the community’s sentiments, stating, “Remember, we will remember our friends at the time of exercising our franchise.”
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