Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has defended Parliament’s ‘moment of silence’ tribute to pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from India. Freeland emphasized that the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil was unacceptable and that the government is committed to protecting all Canadians against threats, regardless of their background. Her comments come in response to a question about the tribute to Nijjar, who was previously placed on Canada’s ‘no-fly list’ and had his assets frozen.
India had previously condemned the Canadian parliament’s “moment of silence” for Nijjar on June 18, arguing that such actions strengthen extremism. Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani separatist, was shot and killed on June 18, 2022, by two unidentified men in the parking lot of a gurdwara in Surrey. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau subsequently accused India of being involved in the murder, leading to a significant strain in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The video of Freeland’s response to the question about the parliamentary tribute has gone viral on social media, with many questioning why Nijjar was honored after his death, considering his previous designation as a terrorist. In her response, Freeland acknowledged the solemn anniversary of Nijjar’s murder, stating that it was important to recognize the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. She further expressed her pride in Prime Minister Trudeau’s strong stance against the murder, emphasizing that it was the right thing to do, albeit a difficult one.
While reiterating Trudeau’s commitment to equality under Canadian law and protection against threats, Freeland avoided directly addressing the reasons for Nijjar’s inclusion on the ‘no-fly list’ and the freezing of his assets. She stressed that the Canadian government will enforce its laws and protect all Canadians, regardless of who might threaten them. Freeland concluded by highlighting the importance of Prime Minister Trudeau’s stance against Nijjar’s killers, asserting that it should make all Canadians feel safer and more secure.
