Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada's Conservative Party and the current opposition leader, has expressed his commitment to restore a "professional relationship" with India should he assume the role of Prime Minister. Poilievre also strongly denounced the mistreatment of Indian diplomats within Canada and the concerning rise of Hinduphobia in the country.
In an exclusive interview with Nepalese media outlet Namaste Radio Toronto, Poilievre emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional relationship with the Indian government. He acknowledged India's status as the world's largest democracy and underscored the significance of addressing differences and holding each other accountable while fostering a constructive diplomatic rapport. Poilievre asserted that this is precisely what he aims to restore when he assumes the role of Prime Minister.
“We need a professional relationship with the Indian government. India is the largest democracy on Earth. It’s fine to have our disagreements and hold each other accountable but we have to have a professional relationship and that is what I will restore when I’m Prime Minister of this country,” Poilievre said.
Regarding the removal of 41 Canadian diplomats from India, Poilievre pointed the blame squarely at the current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. He argued that Trudeau's leadership has fractured Canadian society and damaged international relations. Poilievre criticized Trudeau's alleged incompetence and lack of professionalism, resulting in disputes with major global powers, including India.
“This is another example of how Justin Trudeau is not worth the cost after eight long years. He’s turned Canadians against each other at home and he’s blown up our relations abroad. He’s so incompetent and unprofessional that now we are in major disputes with almost every major power in the world, and that includes India,” he said.
Poilievre also expressed his disapproval of pro-Khalistan car rallies that recently took place in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver, targeting Indian missions. He highlighted an incident where the Vaishno Devi Hindu temple in Abbotsford, British Columbia, was defaced with anti-India posters the night before the rallies. Poilievre firmly condemned these actions, emphasizing that Conservatives align with Hindu values of faith, family, and freedom. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the freedom to worship without fear or vandalism and condemned all attacks on Hindu temples, threats against Hindu leaders, and aggression directed at Indian diplomats during public events.
“Conservatives share the Hindu values of faith, family and freedom. Freedom includes the ability of worship without fear or without vandalisation and I strongly condemn all the attacks on Hindu mandirs, threats against Hindu leaders, the aggression shown to, for example, Indian diplomats at public events is totally unacceptable,” Poilievre said.
Addressing the issue of Hinduphobia, Poilievre expressed his unwavering commitment to opposing it. He advocated for criminal charges against individuals who target either the property or individuals associated with Hindu temples, reiterating the need to protect these places of worship and their worshippers.
“I will continue to oppose it and I think there should criminal charges laid against anyone who attacks either the property or people at Hindu mandirs just like anywhere else,” he asserted.
Recent polls indicate that Poilievre is a frontrunner in the race to become the next Canadian Prime Minister, with his Conservative Party holding a significant lead over the incumbent Liberal Party, potentially securing a majority government. Poilievre's statements reflect his commitment to restoring diplomatic relations with India and his stance against Hinduphobia, demonstrating his dedication to addressing these pressing issues as a potential future leader of Canada
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