New Delhi: In a move that has stirred significant concern among the Indo-Canadian community, the office of Canada’s Leader of the Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, has canceled the much-anticipated annual Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill, typically attended by the Indo-Canadian diaspora, according to media reports. The event, organized by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), was initially scheduled for October 30 but was abruptly called off without explanation.
In an open letter to Poilievre, OFIC expressed deep disappointment, alleging that the event’s cancellation suggests “racial bias” against Indo-Canadians. OFIC President, Bhasker, pointed out that the decision sends a disconcerting message to the community, especially given recent tensions between Canada and India. “This decision marks an unfortunate distancing of political leaders from their Indo-Canadian constituents,” he said. “At such a delicate time, this absence reinforces stereotypes and racial biases they profess to oppose.”
The diplomatic strain between Canada and India has intensified since Canadian officials alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, causing a chill in bilateral relations. OFIC’s letter criticized the timing and context of the cancellation, suggesting that political leaders failed to separate their stance on India’s government from the cultural and social identity of Canadian citizens of Indian descent.
“The cancellation is not just about a missed Diwali event or a lack of commitment to Indo-Canadian representation—it’s emblematic of a deeper issue,” Bhasker added. “Racism and discrimination are still prevalent, and this incident has brought those systemic biases to the surface once again.”
Bhasker concluded with a powerful reminder of the community’s pride in its Canadian identity: “Our identity is rooted here, in Canada, not in the politics of another country. This move is both disheartening and unacceptable for a country that claims to celebrate diversity.”
The OFIC has called on Canadian leaders to reconsider their stance and work toward rebuilding trust with the Indo-Canadian community.
