Canada's opposition leader cancels Diwali event, sparking outrage among Hindus

Hindu communities in Canada are expressing their disappointment following Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre 's decision to cancel the 2024 Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill. The Hindu Forum of Canada has condemned the move, describing it as a clear message of exclusion to a community integral to Canada’s cultural tapestry.

The forum's statement highlights the significance of Diwali, a festival symbolising light and unity celebrated globally, with leaders such as US President Joe Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams recognising its importance. In contrast, the forum accuses Poilievre of showing a lack of respect for Canadian Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. They label the decision a politically motivated act that neglects the contributions of these communities to Canadian society.

With approximately 2.5 million Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in Canada, the forum urges individuals of Indian origin to support leaders who advocate for inclusivity. They emphasise that mutual respect among communities is vital for a harmonious Canada. The statement reflects concerns that Poilievre’s actions signify a troubling trend in politics, suggesting that if he were to become Prime Minister, further disrespect towards these communities could occur.

The cancellation of the Diwali event comes amid escalating tensions between India and Canada, particularly following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. These allegations have led to diplomatic strife and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from India in mid-October.

The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the organisation responsible for the Diwali celebrations, received no explanation for the event's cancellation. OFIC President Shiv Bhasker expressed his disappointment in a letter to Poilievre, saying, "The cancellation sends a clear message to Indo-Canadians that we are viewed as outsiders, linked to political actions of a country with which many of us have ancestral ties but no direct connection."

Bhasker further urged Poilievre to acknowledge the impact of this cancellation on the Indo-Canadian community, stressing that the Diwali celebration was not merely a political event but a significant cultural gathering fostering unity and hope. By distancing himself from this occasion, Bhasker argued, the leader has transformed a moment of potential togetherness into one of division, undermining the spirit of Diwali.