Canada: No room for aggression, hate, or intimidation, especially against Hindus.

The Canadian government has emphasized that there is no room for acts of aggression, hate, intimidation, or incitement of fear within the country, following the circulation of an online video targeting Hindu Canadians.

The video emerged during a period of heightened tensions between India and Canada, triggered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in June. Nijjar had been designated as a terrorist by India in 2020.

India swiftly dismissed Trudeau’s claims as “absurd” and “motivated,” leading to the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat in a reciprocal response to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official in connection with the case.

Public Safety Canada, the department overseeing public safety, emergency management, national security, and emergency preparedness, condemned the video for its offensive and hateful content. They stressed that such actions are contrary to Canadian values, stating, “There is no place in Canada for hate… Acts of aggression, hate, intimidation or incitement of fear have no place in this country and only serve to divide us. We urge all Canadians to respect one another and follow the rule of law. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities.”

Indo-Canadian lawmaker Chandra Arya from Prime Minister Trudeau’s party expressed concern about the “glorification of terrorism” and hate crimes targeting Hindus in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” Arya recounted an incident where Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of the Khalistan movement in Canada and president of Sikhs for Justice, urged Hindu Canadians to leave Canada and return to India.

“I have heard from many Hindu-Canadians who are fearful after this targeted attack. I urge Hindu-Canadians to stay calm but vigilant. Please report any incident of Hinduphobia to your local law enforcement agencies,” advised Arya.

Arya also warned against falling into the trap of the Khalistan movement leader’s provocations, aimed at sowing division within the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada.

Canada’s public safety minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized that all Canadians should feel secure in their communities. He stated, “The circulation of an online hate video targeting Hindu Canadians runs contrary to the values we hold dear as Canadians. There is no place for acts of aggression, hate, intimidation or incitement of fear.”

Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan echoed this sentiment in his post, saying, “To Hindu Canadians and Indians from all backgrounds: Anyone who says you do not deserve to be safe & welcomed in your home does not embody the values of freedom and kindness we hold dear as Canadians. Do not let others delegitimize or question your place and love for Canada.”