Wayne Long, a backbench MP representing New Brunswick, has become the first sitting member of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party caucus to call for his resignation following a disastrous by-election defeat. The call for new leadership comes after the Conservatives won a key Toronto seat, marking a significant setback for the Liberals.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sidestepped a question about inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries stemming from allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Khalistani leader on Canadian soil. While acknowledging the importance of working with India on key issues, Trudeau declined to provide specifics about the ongoing investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by Canada.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s congratulatory message on his election victory. India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each other’s concerns. The two nations’ relationship has been strained due to Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in a separatist killing. India has dismissed these allegations, while maintaining concerns over pro-Khalistani elements operating from Canada. Recent developments include India’s request for Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence and concerns raised regarding diplomat security.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed Canada’s willingness to enhance bilateral relations with India. Trudeau emphasized the importance of human rights, diversity, and the rule of law in cementing their ties. Prime Minister Modi responded by expressing India’s readiness to cooperate with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect. This news comes amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, following allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of a Khalistani separatist in Canada and Canada’s alleged support of anti-India elements.
A Canadian parliamentary panel has identified India as the second most significant foreign interference threat to Canada’s democracy after China. The report highlights that India’s interference efforts have increased and now extend beyond countering pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, targeting Canadian politicians, ethnic media, and Indo-Canadian communities. The report also suggests that some Canadian MPs may have been influenced by foreign countries, including India.
The Sri Lankan government has strongly condemned Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation of “genocide” during the island nation’s conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the claim as “outrageous” and politically motivated, emphasizing that no competent authority has objectively determined genocide occurred in Sri Lanka. The government also criticized Canada’s disproportionate focus on Sri Lanka and double standards in human rights advocacy, noting that it gives space to Khalistani separatist elements while claiming to champion global human rights.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed concerns about several policies implemented by the Progressive Conservative government of New Brunswick under Premier Blaine Higgs. Trudeau condemned Higgs’s opposition to the federal carbon tax, changes to the province’s gender identity policy in schools, and the decision to defund abortions outside hospitals, calling the latter a “disgrace.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasized the importance of standing up to Meta, the social media giant, amidst its ongoing dispute with Canada. He highlighted the company’s immense profits while neglecting the well-being of the communities it serves. Meta’s blocking of news content from Canadian sources on Facebook and Instagram has sparked a debate about the role of internet giants and their responsibility towards journalism and public safety, especially during emergencies like wildfires.
Amidst escalating tensions with Canada, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized the Canadian government for providing political space to Khalistani separatist elements. Jaishankar emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to supporting separatism. He expressed concern over the presence of individuals with dubious backgrounds in Canada, questioning the strength of Canadian law enforcement. The minister’s comments come in response to Canada’s defense of its support for freedom of speech, despite India’s concerns about separatist activities on Canadian soil. India has reiterated that it has not received any evidence to support Canada’s allegations of an Indian agent killing a Canadian on Canadian soil.
Canada’s House of Commons has unanimously passed a motion expressing concern about foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs, including credible allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The motion was proposed by Indo-Canadian MP Sukh Dhaliwal and supported by several MPs, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the leader of the Conservative Party. The motion calls on the government to protect Canadian citizens from foreign intimidation and interference and to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing. It follows previous statements made by Trudeau suggesting a potential link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s murder, which have strained bilateral relations between Canada and India.
