Pierre Poilievre's Diwali Event Cancellation Sparks Outrage Among Indo-Canadians
Canada's opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, has faced intense criticism after he canceled a Diwali celebration planned for October 30 at Parliament Hill. This decision has been labeled by community leaders as both "insensitive" and "discriminatory," especially given the current diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Amid worsening relations—sparked by Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in monitoring pro-Khalistan activities—the sudden cancellation has left many Indo-Canadians feeling excluded and marginalized in the country they call home.
According to Shiv Bhasker, the president of the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) and the organizer of the event, Poilievre’s office did not provide a clear reason for the cancellation. Bhasker noted that this celebration was intended to honor Diwali, a cultural occasion cherished by Indo-Canadians and symbolic of Canada’s multicultural identity. "This event was meant to be a joyous occasion to celebrate Diwali," Bhasker wrote in an open letter, adding that the cancellation has left Indo-Canadians feeling unjustly singled out.
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The timing of this decision is particularly concerning, given recent diplomatic issues between the two countries. In October, India recalled its diplomats after Canada accused India of targeting individuals involved in the pro-Khalistan movement, claims which India has firmly denied. Poilievre's withdrawal from the event, according to community leaders, reflects a broader issue of systemic bias against Canadians of Indian descent. Bhasker criticized the move, suggesting that it sends a troubling message to Indo-Canadians that they are perceived as outsiders, despite their contributions to Canadian society.
The cancellation quickly drew a strong reaction from social media users, with many expressing their frustration and disappointment. Some commenters suggested that this decision could damage Poilievre's political future, as he is a leading candidate to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As Trudeau’s approval rating declines, Poilievre’s Conservatives have surged in recent polls, yet this incident may alienate a significant portion of the electorate, particularly within Canada’s vibrant South Asian communities.
In response to the backlash, OFIC has planned a separate Diwali event for November 23 at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Nepean. However, community leaders, including Bhasker, are demanding more than an apology—they seek tangible steps toward addressing the systemic racism that they believe contributed to this decision. The Hindu Forum of Canada has also commented on the exclusionary nature of Poilievre’s actions, urging Indian-origin Canadians to support leaders who genuinely value inclusion.
As discussions about cultural representation and belonging continue to grow, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges that Indo-Canadians face. Many in the community view Poilievre’s decision as a troubling precedent, questioning how inclusive his leadership might be if he were to become Prime Minister. With federal elections approaching, this controversy serves as a critical reminder of the importance of inclusivity and respect for all Canadians, regardless of their cultural or ancestral background.
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