News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/29th April 2024
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced a crowd raising loud pro-Khalistan slogans as he addressed the Sikh Community at an event in Toronto. The event, the Khalsa Day Parade, witnessed Trudeau’s vow to protect the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community in Canada.
Trudeau’s commitment to nearly 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage was unwavering as he promised to defend the community against hatred and discrimination. Speaking in downtown Toronto, he emphasized the importance of diversity, calling it one of Canada’s greatest strengths. According to Trudeau, Canada is not strong in spite of its differences but because of them.
During his address, Trudeau highlighted the significance of Sikh values, stating that they align with Canadian values. He assured the community that the government is enhancing security and infrastructure programs, including adding more security at community centers and places of worship, such as Gurdwaras. Trudeau underscored the fundamental right to practice religion freely, pledging to defend it as guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
However, as Trudeau spoke, a video shared by CPAC on YouTube captured the backdrop of loud chants of pro-Khalistan slogans. Despite the disturbance, Trudeau continued his address, announcing measures to facilitate more flights and routes between Canada and India, including to Amritsar.
The significance of the event lies in its celebration of Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, marking the founding of the Sikh community in 1699 and the Sikh New Year. Organized annually by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC), the parade down Lake Shore Boulevard is claimed to be the third-largest in the nation, drawing thousands of spectators.
Trudeau’s speech comes at a challenging time for diplomatic relations between India and Canada, exacerbated by the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, sparking tensions between the two nations.
Despite the backdrop of strained relations, Trudeau’s reaffirmation of Canada’s commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community reflects the country’s stance on diversity and inclusivity. The event underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights and values in the face of challenges and controversies.
