In a move that has stirred deep-seated dismay among Indo-Canadians, the mid-October decision by Canada to expel Indian diplomats has had far-reaching and unintended consequences. While the dispute between Canada and India—stemming from allegations linking Indian operatives to the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil—has taken center stage on the international front, it has also cast a long shadow on Canada’s own Indo-Canadian community. Particularly telling is the recent withdrawal of political leaders from a long-planned celebration, a gathering intended to mark the diversity of Canadian society with an event organized by the Overseas Friends of India in Canada (OFIC). This abrupt decision has left a community wondering: Has Canada itself lost sight of what it means to be Canadian?
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
For over two decades, Canadian Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs have come together each year to share their culture and traditions with fellow Canadians. Hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty, the event was slated to take place on October 30, but the withdrawal of political leaders has clouded this joyous occasion with a stark reminder of the precarious position Canadian citizens of Indian descent now find themselves in. By refusing to attend, political leaders have risked conflating the actions of the Indian government with the identity of millions of Canadian citizens, implying an association where none exists.
Shiv Bhasker, President of OFIC, expressed the community’s frustration eloquently. “The sudden withdrawal of political leaders from this event, prompted by the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left the diaspora feeling ‘betrayed’ and ‘unjustly singled out,’” Bhasker stated in a letter addressed to Canadian political leaders. For a nation that prides itself on inclusivity and respect for all cultural communities, this decision is nothing short of unacceptable. As Bhasker rightly noted, “Our political leaders have failed to draw a necessary distinction between the Canadian Indian community and the actions of the Indian government.”
In fact, failing to do so has stirred feelings of alienation, confusion, and betrayal among Indo-Canadians who have long upheld Canada’s values of tolerance and multiculturalism. The Overseas Friends of India in Canada has demanded an unconditional apology for what they describe as an “insensitive and discriminatory” act. Their point is crucial: Indo-Canadians are Canadians first, and their ancestral ties should not make them susceptible to unjust suspicion or exclusion.
Khalistanis attacking and harassing Canadians celebrating Diwali (Hindus, Sikhs and Jains) last night in Mississauga.
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) November 13, 2023
This isn’t a case of Canada importing 3rd world problems. This movement is dead in India, it’s being pumped full of life by our political leaders pic.twitter.com/naUmco16Qp
This lack of political support is an unprecedented step backward. It effectively says to the Indo-Canadian community, “You may be Canadian, but in this moment, you’re not Canadian enough.” Such actions only further erode trust between the government and one of Canada’s most significant and economically contributing communities. Indo-Canadians are feeling increasingly isolated in a country they have long called home, and many now question whether their participation in Canada’s democratic process is even valued.
Where, then, are the voices of reason in Canadian politics? The Conservatives, who are quick to brand themselves as champions of free speech and multicultural harmony, have chosen to stay silent or worse, back away entirely from showing support. This withdrawal sends a chilling message to minority communities, who may wonder if the political leaders who once vowed to represent all Canadians have now chosen the path of convenience and expedience over principle.
Indo-Canadians should not bear the burden of tensions they did not create. Political leaders have an obligation to demonstrate a balanced approach, to distinguish between Canada’s Indo-Canadian citizens and the actions of India’s government. While diplomatic issues may strain ties between Ottawa and New Delhi, these challenges should not spill over to affect Canadians on home soil. Canada has a duty to protect its citizens and affirm their place within the national mosaic, regardless of the international stances their ancestral countries might take.
The questions now abound: Has political pressure to appease certain groups become so intense that the very fabric of Canadian inclusivity is at risk of tearing? Are Canada’s leaders willing to trade away the trust and loyalty of Indo-Canadian citizens to placate extremist factions? Are Indo-Canadians expected to continue participating in a democratic process that now seems to be turning its back on them?
If Canadian leaders truly value their Indo-Canadian constituents, they must speak up now. A strong statement of apology and solidarity could restore much of the lost trust and reassure a community that is feeling wronged and sidelined. Offering mere platitudes won’t cut it. It is time for Canadian leaders to prove that the values of tolerance and respect aren’t just words, but foundational principles worth upholding—even in times of political tension.
