Canadian oppn leader issues clarification after backlash over Diwali event cancellation

Canada 's opposition leader Pierre Poilievre on Wednesday issued a clarification after reports emerged about a canceled Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill.

A statement from Poilievre's office addressed the situation, explaining that the decision was made hastily and confirmed that Diwali celebrations would proceed as planned.

"To be clear, any suggestion that Mr. Poilievre has cancelled this event is patently false. This event has always been hosted by a member of the Conservative Caucus , this year being MP Doherty, and has never been organized by the Leader of the Opposition or his office. While there have been changes to the location and timing, MP Doherty will still be hosting an event to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas in Ottawa with members of the South Asian community and the Conservative Caucus," the statement read.

"Mr. Poilievre looks forward to celebrating these important cultural and religious occasions with Canadians in the coming days," it added.

This comes a day after the Hindu community leaders in Canada expressed concerns that the perceived withdrawal from the Diwali event indicated exclusion of their community.

In an open letter, OFIC president Shiv Bhasker expressed disappointment over the cancellation. "It is with extreme disappointment and sadness that I am writing this letter to you [Pierre Poilievre] to voice our dismay at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition cancelling the 24th Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill. The failure of the politicians to attend this important cultural event, particularly at such a delicate time, sends a clear message to Indo-Canadians: that we are being viewed not as fellow Canadians but as outsiders who are somehow linked to the political actions of a country many of us have ancestral ties to but no direct connection with. This event was meant to be a joyous occasion to honor Diwali. Yet, the sudden withdrawal of political leaders has left us feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out."

The incident comes in the wake of strained relations between Canada and India, after Justin Trudeau accused India's involvement in the murder of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.

This situation has led to diplomatic tensions and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from India in mid-October. India also recalled its High Commissioner and some diplomats over allegations that have repeatedly been dubbed "baseless" by the ministry of external affairs.