Canada's opposition leader Pierre Poilievre faced criticism after cancelling a Diwali celebration planned for Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The cancellation comes amidst heightened diplomatic tension between Canada and India, following allegations by Canada of Indian involvement in targeting pro-Khalistan activists. The cancellation has sparked frustration among the Indo-Canadian community, who viewed the decision as discriminatory and divisive.

Shiv Bhasker, president of the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) and the event’s organizer, expressed disappointment in a letter to Poilievre, calling the move “insensitive.” Bhasker emphasized that the event was meant to honor Diwali and Canada’s multicultural identity. The decision to withdraw, he argued, unfairly singles out Canadians of Indian descent over issues tied to foreign affairs.

The Diwali celebration was scheduled to be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty on October 30, and Poilievre’s office has not issued an explanation for the cancellation. The OFIC’s letter also highlights what it describes as “systemic biases,” with Bhasker asserting that the decision suggests Indo-Canadians are being treated as “less Canadian” due to their heritage. The community has called for Poilievre to apologize and take tangible steps to address what they perceive as bias.

Following the backlash, the OFIC announced a rescheduled celebration on November 23 at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Nepean. This incident comes amid a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Canada and India, with both sides exchanging sharp rebukes over allegations involving criminal gangs and pro-Khalistan activities. India has dismissed Canada’s accusations as baseless, insisting that no evidence has been presented by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.