In his appearance before the public inquiry investigating foreign interference in Canada’s federal elections, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attributed India’s closeness to the previous Stephen Harper administration. He contrasted his own government’s stance by emphasizing its efforts to support minorities and their freedom of expression, even if it displeased their home nations.
Trudeau refrained from directly linking Indian authorities to meddling in Canadian elections, diverging from claims made by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) suggesting India’s involvement alongside China. Despite earlier allegations, Canadian officials clarified on Monday that there was no indication of Indian interference, a stance also upheld by India.
Addressing the commission, Trudeau asserted, “The principle [is] that anyone who comes to Canada from anywhere in the world has all the rights of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, and interference from a country they left behind.” He cited the example of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s case, highlighting his government’s commitment to safeguarding Canadians’ rights and freedoms.
Trudeau underscored that any notion suggesting the government wouldn’t uphold these rights was unfounded. His comments came during questioning by Prabjot Singh, representing the Sikh Coalition.
Nijjar, labeled a terrorist in India, was killed in 2023 in British Columbia. Trudeau announced an investigation into alleged ties between Indian officials and Nijjar’s killing, prompting a diplomatic dispute resulting in the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India.
Initially tasked with investigating Chinese and Russian interference in past elections, the inquiry’s scope was expanded to include India. Led by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, the inquiry aims to examine allegations of foreign meddling.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs dismissed any notion of interference in Canadian elections, labeling the accusations baseless and highlighting Canada’s purported interference in India’s internal affairs.
During cross-examination, Trudeau did not directly address allegations of Indian interference. When questioned about failing to act on repression by the Indian government during 2019-2021, he attributed it to the previous Conservative government’s close ties with India, contrasting it with his administration’s commitment to defending minority rights and freedom of expression.