Thousands of people gathered in downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the city’s largest yearly gatherings, the Khalsa Day Celebrations. The event, which commemorates the founding of the Sikh community in 1699 and the Sikh New Year, drew thousands of spectators, according to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC).
Amidst the festivities, loud chants of pro-Khalistan slogans were raised in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. This incident, captured on video released by Canada-based CPAC TV, reflects the rising anti-India sentiment in Canada.
As Trudeau took the stage to address the Sikh community, the chants grew louder. Similar chants were heard when Poilievre walked up to speak. Other notable attendees included NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
In his address, Trudeau reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community at all costs. He emphasized that diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, and that the country is strong because of its differences.
Trudeau’s remarks come at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Canada are strained. The killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar earlier this year sparked tensions between the two countries. India accused the Canadian government of involvement in the killing, a claim denied by Canada.
Despite these diplomatic challenges, Trudeau assured the Sikh community that Canada will continue to enhance security and infrastructure programs to protect places of worship, including Gurdwaras. He emphasized that the right to practice religion freely and without intimidation is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
