The annual Diwali celebration, a significant cultural event for the Indo-Canadian community at Parliament Hill, has been cancelled abruptly by the office of the Leader of the Opposition, Pierre Poilievre.
This decision, reportedly made without an explanation, has intensified feelings of unease within the diaspora community, and sparked strong responses across media and political circles.
Daniel Bordman, Senior Correspondent for National Telegraph, condemned the move, calling it “absolutely disgraceful behaviour” from Poilievre and the Conservative Party.
“Cancelling Diwali celebrations this year because they are afraid that the Liberals and the media will accuse them of foreign interference…shameful and cowardly behaviour which really throws into question the notion that Poilievre has the backbone to be a successful leader.”
Organised by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the Diwali celebration was set for October 30 and has been a longstanding tradition at Parliament Hill for over two decades.
In a letter addressed to Poilievre, OFIC President Shiv Bhasker expressed dismay, describing the cancellation as an act that left Indo-Canadians “feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out.”
“This event was meant to be a joyous occasion to celebrate Diwali, a festival that is not only deeply significant to the Indo-Canadian community but also symbolic of the multicultural values Canada stands for.”
He added that “the decision to pull out of the event sends a message to Indo-Canadians that we are being perceived not as fellow Canadians, but as outsiders. This is a dangerous narrative at a time when our community needs solidarity and understanding.”
Bhasker also raised concerns over the cancellation’s broader implications, suggesting it reflects a “systemic bias” against Indo-Canadians.
“Racism and discrimination are thriving in Canada,” he stated, adding that “our politicians, by withdrawing from cultural celebrations, have signalled—intentionally or not—that Canadians of Indian heritage are not fully part of the nation.”
The Diwali event’s cancellation this year marks a departure from the previous years when political leaders, including Poilievre himself, participated actively in the celebrations.
The tradition of celebrating Diwali at Parliament Hill began with former Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai and has continued since his passing in 2019, with other MPs stepping in to carry on the legacy.
Bhasker called for an apology from Poilievre’s office, insisting that such acts of “insensitivity” would resonate at the “time of exercising our franchise.”
The decision has sparked heated debate within the academic and political communities in Canada, with several prominent figures voicing their support for the Indo-Canadian community.
Dr Suchit Ahuja, Associate Professor at Concordia University, criticised the cancellation, noting that it runs counter to Canada’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “This is not merely a diaspora issue but a Canadian issue,” Ahuja stated.
“What a great way to showcase the Canadian version of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion!! While at the same time we see so many examples from the US, Australia, NZ, UK, and other nations where Diwali was celebrated with great appreciation and respect. Has Canada alone slipped into a dark age of some kind?”
Prof. Rahul Ravi of the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University also echoed these sentiments, referring to historic instances where Indo-Canadians have felt marginalised and urging Canadian leaders to foster a more inclusive environment.
“The message is clear: some voices are more “Canadian” than others. Freedom of expression is upheld for those advocating divisive causes, but Indo-Canadian celebrations are sidelined when convenient. Is this the Canada we signed up for?” Prof. Ravi added.
Despite tensions between Canada and India, the Indo-Canadian community, especially Hindus, maintains that cultural celebrations like Diwali transcend politics. Bhasker concluded his statement with a call for unity, saying, “Diwali is about light and new beginnings. It is a celebration of peace and unity, a part of our Canadian identity.”
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