In a move that has sparked discontent within Canada’s Indo-Canadian community, the office of Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre has cancelled the annual Diwali celebration, traditionally held at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The cancellation comes amidst deteriorating diplomatic relations between Canada and India, primarily revolving around the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This decision has led to frustration and disappointment within the Indian diaspora, who see the event as a symbol of multicultural unity and inclusiveness.
No Diwali Celebration at Canada’s Parliament Hill
The Diwali celebration, which was scheduled for October 30, was organized by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) and hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty. For over 23 years, this annual event has united Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists to celebrate the festival of lights within Canada’s parliamentary grounds. The sudden cancellation, however, has left the Indo-Canadian community feeling neglected and, in the words of OFIC’s president, “betrayed.”
Diplomatic Tensions with India Behind the Cancellation?
The decision to cancel Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill appears closely tied to the recent diplomatic row between Canada and India. Relations hit a new low when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing outside a British Columbia gurdwara. Ottawa expelled several Indian diplomats, claiming links to the incident, while New Delhi categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless and accusing Canada of supporting pro-Khalistan activities. This escalating conflict led to mutual expulsions of diplomats, a move that has further strained official relations.
OFIC’s Response to the Cancellation
Absolutely disgraceful behaviour from @PierrePoilievre and the @CPC_HQ cancelling Diwali celebrations this year because they are afraid that the Liberals and the media will accuse them of foreign interference. Shameful and cowardly behaviour which really throws into question the… pic.twitter.com/Yd3Ovq5emC
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) October 29, 2024
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Pierre Poilievre, OFIC president Shiv Bhasker expressed disappointment, questioning why a joyous celebration like Diwali had been canceled. Bhasker noted that the festival is deeply meaningful to the Indo-Canadian community and a celebration of Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism. “By recusing themselves from cultural celebrations, our politicians have sent a message—intentionally or not—that we, as Canadians of Indian heritage, are somehow less Canadian because of our ancestral ties,” Bhasker wrote, highlighting the discrimination felt by the community.
The letter further called out the lack of distinction between the Canadian Indian community and the Indian government’s actions, which Bhasker described as a “failure” to respect the diaspora’s role in Canada. Bhasker also hinted at political repercussions, stating that this incident “will be remembered at the time of exercising our franchise,” a sentiment indicating that the cancellation may affect Indo-Canadian votes in future elections.
A Two-Decade Tradition Interrupted
The Diwali celebration has been a tradition at Canada’s Parliament Hill for more than two decades, initiated by former Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai. Since Obhrai’s passing in 2019, other Conservative MPs have continued the event, with Todd Doherty taking the lead in recent years. Interestingly, Poilievre, who attended a Dussehra celebration on October 14, has not yet addressed why the Diwali event was abruptly canceled this year.
Backdrop of 2023 Diwali Celebrations Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre celebrates Diwali with Hindus. pic.twitter.com/vpLJ9FDejh
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) November 6, 2023
Notably, the 2023 Diwali celebration went forward despite emerging diplomatic tensions around the Nijjar killing. Last year’s event saw Poilievre and then-Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma address the gathering of 540 guests at Parliament Hill. Even then, diplomatic strains were evident as Trudeau’s “credible allegations” had been publicized, sparking anger in India and concerns within the Indian diaspora in Canada.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill has intensified the debate around Canada’s multiculturalism and inclusivity amid strained India-Canada relations. For the Indo-Canadian community, Diwali is more than a festival; it symbolizes a commitment to shared cultural heritage and inclusivity. The decision has left many Indo-Canadians questioning their place in Canadian society, calling for an apology and a recognition of their contributions, independent of India’s political actions.
As diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi continue, the impact of this cultural setback may extend beyond this year’s Diwali and into the political landscape, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining multicultural unity amidst international disputes.
