Canada to overhaul Immigration sys introduces measures for affordable, adequate housing, health, and others / Rashmi Talwar / Greater Jammu

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Canada for an overhaul of the Immigration system introduces measures for affordable and adequate housing, health, and other services

Rashmi Talwar

AMRITSAR November 2^nd, 2023—-When a Prime Minister offers his hand for a handshake, it is a distinct honour and courtesy for a citizen of the country, to shake hands with the head of the government. But, in early October this year, a smiling Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, was refused a handshake by an agitated Canadian –“I am not shaking your hand – you f**ked this country”.  “How did I mess up this country?” Trudeau is asking the man in a video clip that went viral.  The citizen answers- “Can anybody afford a home in this day in Canada? You ruined the whole country. You are sending aid to Ukraine, to a guy who slaughtered his own country!”

It is true that Canada is facing a crisis in housing and in vital services especially health,  in consonance to the needs of its growing population, migration being its primary source of growth in its populace. Both the refugee and immigrant policies of Canada have severely strained its services and housing facilities, which prove to be inadequate in ratio to the rate of migration in the country.

Insufficient housing served to jack up rental rates as well as sky-rocketed the prices of houses in Canada.  The growing voices of discontent including those of the stakeholder- citizens or migrant newcomer, has found ears. The government admits its shortcomings and is ready for corrective measures- “It is the stakeholders who provided important insight into how we can develop a stronger and more integrated immigration system .” says IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) official.

Now the country is taking vital steps to improve its immigration system. Marc Miller, Minister IRCC, announced a slew of measures mapping out a vision to bolster Canada’s immigration framework, ensuring it remains a driving force for the nation’s economic growth and overall prosperity.  “As we move forward, the people who come to Canada will continue to be at the heart of our work, whether they wish to work, study, or call this place their home,” the IRCC states.

Canada posted its biggest population jump in almost seven decades, with the population growing by 2.9% in the 12 months to July 1, 2023, to more than 40 million.

A whopping 20-25 % of the immigrant population in Canada comes from India. At least 40% of the ‘foreign student’ strength too emerges from India. In the year 2022, as many as 4,37,000 new immigrants were admitted and in the present year 4,65,000 is the target.

Canada’s lenient refugee policy, also allowed more than 80,000 Ukrainians to enter, which raised heckles of Canadians who are facing the highest inflation rate in food, lifestyle and housing.”These actions can help shape a system that meets the needs of Canada’s economy and labor market. Changes will be implemented through whole-of-government collaboration and a focus on welcoming the people needed for the future while maintaining the safety, security, and integrity of the system,” the IRCC said in a statement.

Significantly, immigration remains the main driver of population growth in Canada. In 2021, more than 8.3 million people, or almost one-quarter (23%) of the population, were new immigrants or permanent residents in Canada.

The world is watching with interest the falling proportion of Canada’s population within the working-age category which is fast diminishing. Just 50 years past, the ratio stood at around seven workers for every senior citizen in the country.

Currently, Canada has roughly three workers for each senior, and it is anticipated that this proportion will further decline to nearly two workers per senior in the near future. The aging workforce carries significant economic implications, such as persistent labor market shortages.

A recent study by – the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and The Conference Board of Canada highlighted a growing trend of newcomers in Canada opting to leave, posing a significant challenge to a nation heavily reliant on immigration for its population and economic growth.

Videos of unhappy immigrants are regularly uploaded on YouTube with talk show hosts in growing numbers picking on them to open up about life in Canada seen from the eyes of an immigrant, with 90% wishing to leave the country. Though these videos do not allow any formal percentage of unhappiness quotient, they are the growing voices of discontent in the country of their migration.

The report highlights the potential risks of Canada failing to meet the expectations of its newcomers, who are grappling with issues like deteriorating housing affordability, strains on the healthcare system, and challenges related to underemployment. It also emphasizes how disillusionment among immigrants can hurt progress, even in a country that consistently achieves new records in terms of population growth.

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Canada takes ‘7’ measures

In its report ‘An immigration system for Canada’s future’, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) took cognizance and outlined seven measures which include:

Integrated planning that will align housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and other vital services, with immigration levels, in close cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. It intends to install a Newcomer Advisory Body, for formulating an advisory body of newcomers with immigration experience to offer insights for enhancing programs, policies, and service delivery. Another measure is about Improving the International Student Program, which deals with expediting study permit processing. The creation of a Chief International Talent Officer position that will better align immigration programs with the labour market, including industry and sector strategies.

Two other measures relate to offering refugee status calling for a Swift Response to Global Crises, to make the immigration system agile and equipped to address global humanitarian crises efficiently and equitably. Besides, empowering Francophone Communities, Canada intends to develop a new ‘Francophone Immigration Policy’ to enhance the vitality of Francophone minority communities while also bolstering the demographic presence of French linguistic minorities in the country. And lastly, a User-Friendly Website, to help applicants easily access information.

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Canada to overhaul its immigration system

The Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 comes only a day after Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged shortcomings in the country’s immigration system and ensured to overhaul the system.

“IRCC has been engaging with stakeholders and the public throughout the year to help shape the future of a stronger immigration system,” the Canadian immigration minister said.

Soon after Millers’ announcement, IRCC released its new strategic report so that stakeholders were informed of the department’s intentions.

IRCC said it is working to better align immigration with the labor market, modernize the application process, enhance application processing standards, support smaller communities in attracting newcomers, and promote French-speaking immigration throughout Canada.

In the report, IRCC has identified three pillars and a number of actions to take to maintain Canada’s status as a destination of choice for newcomers:

Create a more welcoming experience for newcomers

Align immigration with labour market needs

Develop a comprehensive and coordinated growth plan

In 2022, Canada broke the record for new immigrants at 437,000 admissions. The target for permanent resident admissions in 2023 is 465,000. And, the Canadian government is further pursuing a new strategy to improve the immigration system.

Earlier this year, to further target economic immigrants who are best suited to help Canada close the labour force gap, IRCC introduced category-based selection rounds of invitations for Express Entry candidates who have work experience in an in-demand sector, or the ability to promote the French language outside of Quebec.

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Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026: IRCC to release PR entry plans for the next three years today.

Canada is scheduled to release its Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 on Wednesday

The Immigration Levels Plan lists the guidelines regarding the number of permanent residents who will be invited to Canada in the next three years under each of the three immigration classes:

• Economic
• Family
• Humanitarian

Interestingly, under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the federal government is required to unveil its annual immigration plan in the non-election year in early November.

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Indo-Canadian Rift: Canada Plants a face Saving Article/ NIA Releases Terrorists Posters / Rashmi Talwar

Indo-Canadian Rift: Canada Plants a face-saving article

Rashmi Talwar

NIA Releases Terrorists’ Posters

The article by CBC News titled “Canada has Indian diplomats’ communication in bombshell murder probe: sources” by Evan Dyer stirred a storm on  ‘X’

Rashmi Talwar

AMRITSAR 22^ND SEPT 2023—-In an article described by many as ‘desperate’ and an alleged leak presumably by Canadian authorities with the rising clamour of noises calling for ‘proof of the pudding’ (pudding here meaning the outright accusations by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau citing ‘potential links’ of Indian agents to the murder of designated terrorist and Khalistan ideologue Hardeep S Nijjer outside a Surrey Gurdwara on June 18 by unknown gunmen).

The article, by Evan Dyer journalist with CBC for 25 years, citing sources, asserts– “The Canadian government has amassed both ‘human’ and ‘signals intelligence’ in a months-long investigation of a Sikh activist (Nijjer’s) death that has inflamed relations with India. That intelligence includes communications involving Indian officials themselves, including Indian diplomats present in Canada: citing Canadian government sources”. (‘Signal intelligence’ could mean telephonic snooping! Says an intelligence source)

The article adds –“The intelligence did not come solely from Canada. Some were provided by an unnamed ally in the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance. In a diplomatic crisis that unfolded progressively behind the scenes, Canadian officials went to India on several occasions seeking cooperation in the investigation of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death. The Sikh leader was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C, on June 18 and reportedly had been warned by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service that he was at risk.

The article continues: “Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser Jody Thomas was in India over four days in mid-August, then again for five days this month. That last visit overlapped with a tense meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Canadian sources say that, when pressed, behind closed doors, no Indian official has denied the bombshell allegation at the core of this case — that there is evidence to suggest Indian government involvement in the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.”

“I can assure you that the decision to share these allegations on the floor of the House of Commons … was not done lightly,” Trudeau said Thursday in New York after attending the United Nations General Assembly.

“It was done with the utmost seriousness.“

The dispute has poisoned Canada’s relationship with India, a growing international power, just as the United States is courting it as a potential ally. (The article admits India is a “growing international power”, and is being wooed by the USA as its ally)

India accuses Canada of sheltering terrorists. The Indian government has fumed at Canada for — in its view — sheltering Sikh separatists, including Nijjar, whom it called a terrorist.

The article notes–“When asked about the intelligence reports, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said she couldn’t comment without risking the investigation and Canada’s obligations to its Five Eyes partners. “That partnership rests very much on those… intelligence conversations being held in confidence,” she told CBC News Network’s Power & Politics host David Cochrane. Asked if Ottawa is thinking about retaliating by pausing visa processing for Indian visitors, Freeland said the government is focused on bringing the killers to justice. “This is not about geopolitics,” she said.

Jake Sullivan(NSA to US) is cited to calm waters about dividing the US and Canada on this– “I have seen in the press some efforts to try to drive a wedge between the U.S. and Canada on this issue. I firmly reject that there is a wedge between the U.S. and Canada,” he said.

The article further points out that the Canadian government has refused to discuss Modi’s awareness of, or involvement in, the case. The Indian government did not respond to the CBC’s requests for comment.

Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae, when asked how far accountability could go, and whether Ottawa expected legal repercussions for people in the Indian government, Canada’s ambassador ‘steered wide of the question’. “I’d rather not go there. I don’t think it’s smart for me to do that,” Bob Rae replied at a news conference. “I like my job. I would rather not lose it.”

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Public Comments on the article

Jay Singh: CBC is funded by the Canadian Government and it seems to be doing what it’s been doing. No evidence was provided. This is again a bunch of nothing full stop about why India was treated differently versus Russia and China. Please read his responses don’t push India with Russia and China that would be too much of a foolish move.

Michael Jasper: There is probably some evidence but this is more about Trudeau’s se handling of the incident.

Andrew Laz: So Canada and its intelligence partner are all lying or they are all covering for us as we like

Rebecca Younger says CBC has such a great record with those unnamed sources Ryan Martin says doesn’t the West do the same thing travel into another country and put a hit on someone they consider hit-worthy.

Carlo Smith: Let the media do the leak, provide a minimal grip, and talk with allies but it is out there now, and here we are.

Dominic Lee Blanc All Canadians deserve to feel safe in their community. The circulation of an online hate video targeting Hindu Canadians runs contrary to the values we hold here as Canadians this is no place for acts of aggression hate intermediate”. Blanc is a minister of public safety inter-government affairs and MP for Beausejour in New Brunswick Canada

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 NIA releases ‘three’ posters of Khalistanis involved in San Francisco Attack on Indian Consulate urges general public to provide information

Seeking to find clues from the general public National Investigating Agency (NIA) issued three separate ‘requests for identification and information’ against 10 Khalistan supporters who were allegedly involved in the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco.

Sending the posters to this correspondent the posters sought the cooperation of the general public in nabbing them. The three posters read –“On 19th March 2023, the persons shown in the pictures below were involved in an attack on the Consulate General of India (CGI), San Francisco (USA), causing injuries to the CGI officials and damage to property. If you have any information about them, please share via WatsApp/Telegram/Signal @77430-02947 or send through email at info-chd.nia@gov.in Please share the following details:- 1. Name 2.Phone no. 3. Address (Village & District) 4. Passport details 5. Nationality. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.

While two posters carry photos of two accused each, the third poster carries photos of other six accused in the case. The first attack, which took on the intervening night of March 18 and 19, was carried out supposedly by Khalistani supporters, who attempted to set it on fire the consulate premises with forceful entry.

According to NIA, some ‘Slogan-shouting Khalistani supporters’ broke through security barriers by the San Francisco police and hoisted two  “so-called Khalistani yellow flags” on the consulate premises”, damaging the consulate building, assaulting and causing injuries to the consulate officials.

 NIA launched a probe registering a case on June 16th under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. A team of NIA, the agency said, visited San Francisco in August in connection with investigations into the case.

The consulate again came under another attack on the intervening night of July 1 and 2, by Khalistan supporters who attempted arson to burn the consulate. The local fire department put out the fire. No major damages or injuries were reported.

A video uploaded to ‘X” by Khalistan supporters showed that arson took place on July 1st-2nd. The video, carried the written ticker – “violence begets violence” with pictures of Canada-based Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, killed by masked men on June 19th outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Vancouver. Hardeep is a designated terrorist in India, is wanted in several cases.

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‘X’ BUZZ: Media opines on on-going Indo-Canadian row

 “Hours into Justin Trudeau’s master plan to take on India without disclosing any evidence he claims to have. So far we’ve lost a diplomat, India killed a trade deal and no major allies have publicly backed us. Not Great. Tomorrow doesn’t look promising either: Daniel Bordman @Nattelegraph Sn Correspondent from Toronto Canada who takes up for the Hindu community in Canada.

Paul Antonopoulos: editor of Greek City Times with a huge following on social networking sites wrote: “Justin Trudeau has resorted to supporting Khalistanis terrorists (Sikh extremists) in his own country to try and preserve his own unpopular government. According to the Angus Reid Institute, Trudeau’s approval rating has plummeted to only 33% and his disapproval rating has skyrocketed to 63%. It is quite clear that Trudeau is on his way out. Despite this reality, he is now making desperate steps to try and shore up support among his usual voter blocs. However, by appeasing extremist elements, Trudeau could create future security risks for Canada. What will Ottawa do in the future when these extremists demand a separate Khalistan for Sikh-majority areas of Canada since their project to create one in India failed?”

Indrani Bagchi an Indian foreign policy commentator wrote – “Trudeau not only did himself a disservice but he has also perversely made Modi a hero in India just before the elections without a Balakot, to boot”.

Keean Bexte a senior journalist from Alberta Canada took a dig at the Canadian PM – “After Trudeau accused India of assassinating someone in Canada, the only nation in the world willing to trust and stand shoulder to shoulder with Trudeau is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. What a badge of honour!”

Anand Ranganathan a scientist and Author journalist wrote:  In 1985 Khalistanis blew up Air India flight 182 killing 329. Amarjit, widow of the pilot Captain Bhinder claimed Justice wasn’t done. She was right. All accused had walked free because Trudeau’s father refused to hand over AI-182 bombers. (PHOTO ) 

Photo caption: Amarjit, widow of Captain Bhinder pilot Air India flight 182 killing 329 in 1985

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Canada-India Spat, as another Punjabi Sukha Duneke gets killed in Canada/ Rashmi Talwar/ Greater Jammu

Canada-India Spat, as another Punjabi Sukha Duneke gets killed in Canada

Canada-India Spat, as another Punjabi Sukha Duneke gets killed in Canada

Rashmi Talwar

AMRITSAR 22nd Sept 2023—- India Canada’s tit for tat notwithstanding, Sukhdool Singh aka Sukha Duneke was riddled with bullets on Wednesday night by unknown gunmen believed to be gangsters. Sukha, a known gangster himself was allegedly killed in Winnipeg Canada. The killing seemed to find parallels with the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in inter-gang warfare outside a  Surrey Gurdawa in Canada on June 19. Hardeep’s (45) killing has soured  Indo-Canadian relations recently as both countries use bans, and advisories to their citizens for travel and partly sour diplomatic relations with each other.

Gangster Duneke was known to have fled to Canada using forged documents in the year 2017 pending almost seven murder cases out of 20 against him in India. Canadian intelligence puts the onus of his killing on Moga based Davindar Bambeeha Gang.

PhotoSukhdool Singh @Sukha Duneke

Interestingly many countries who act ‘holier than thou’ with India and other developing countries could be accused of providing shelter, asylum, and nurturing criminal elements from India on the pretext that the individuals were being persecuted on innocent grounds such as faith, community, and due to public protests. It is a known fact that these criminal elements have been extensively used by countries moreso by Canada recently.

As many as 30 gangsters are known to be granted asylum by these countries. Mostly they arrive on fake passports or water routes, in Italy, Greece, and Nepal and in no time become valid passport holders of the host country. The maximum number is known to have arrived in Canada. Hardeep too was a wanted fugitive and terrorist heading the KLF a banned organization by India, provided asylum by Canada issued a Canadian passport allowed to propagate and carry out his  Khalistani agenda, inimical to India.

Gangsters ‘Most Wanted’ have their roots in the Amritsar belt, Taran Taran, as well as in Moga, Barnala, Ferozpure, Fazillka, Kapurthala, Chandigarh, Abohar etc. The majority of them are from Punjab. More than 20 FIRs in cases of murder and other heinous crimes are registered against Duneke in Punjab and other states.

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India Fires Salvos at Canada after it takes Indo-Canadian spat to a deeper level

Rashmi Talwar

AMRITSAR 22nd Sep 2023—-

Stung by the arm-twisting tactics employed by the Canadian government issuing a travel advisory to the newly normalized state of Jammu Kashmir in India, equating it with a turmoil zone and therefore a life-threatening space, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs today took the spar deeper with Canada. Ministry of External Affairs MEA temporarily suspended issuing visas and processing visa applications for travel to India in its Canadian High Commission citing security threats that disrupted the normal working of the Indian HC. “Even e-visa applications of all categories are suspended. Discrimination of visa grants are of concern. Those having a visa or OCI cards are free to travel to India”. MEA‘s official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi replied to queries. The creation of an environment that disrupts the normal functioning of our HC has caused us to hold visa services temporarily.

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Downsizing Canadian diplomats in Canadian High Commission and Consulates in India

The Indian Foreign Office called for parity of strength and parity in rank among the diplomats of the Canadian High Commission and its Consulates in India, with those in the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, consulates in Toronto, and Vancouver, Canada.

“The number of Canadian diplomats in Canadian HC and consulates is higher than Indian counterparts in Indian HC in Canada; we have asked that the diplomatic number be downsized by Canada.

 MEA‘s official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in no unequivocal terms retorted that India needn’t worry about any ‘reputational damage’ rather it is Canada that should be concerned about its reputation as a growing space for safe haven for terrorism, extremism, and organized crime.

About the travel advisory issued about Canada, the MEA clarified that it covers all Indians irrespective of religion or faith –“ Exercise utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence “

Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indians are therefore advised to avoid travel to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.  Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada for Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Register with the Indian High Commission in Ottawa or download MADAD an Indian app for help and support to Indians in Canada.  

The Consulate General of India in Toronto and Vancouver continues to be in contact with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Canada, the MEA assured.

About Canadian diplomats in India facing threats –“If Canadian diplomats or any foreign diplomats are facing threats in India we will take that very seriously and provide all security similarly we do expect the same sensitivity from the Canadian government towards posters threatening and assassination and incitement to violence towards Indian diplomats and attacks on our premises should also take their responsibilities seriously under Vienna convention. Fugitives, safe havens, and no action against terrorists causing disruptions in India are not going to be taken lightly. “

“We have 20-25 cases extradition requests to Canada, but Canadian response has not been helpful or responsible.”

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Canadian Immigration Minister MM botches up citizenship dates of Hardeep Nijjer

Canada’s minister for Immigration, refugees, and citizenship- Marc Miller first posted Hardeep Singh Nijjar a Khalistan Ideologue and designated terrorist of KLF wanted by India became a Canadian citizen in March 2015 while passport no QK139247 shows it was issued in November 2012.

The question arises whether Hardeep had a Canadian Passport before he became a Canadian Citizen.

Then the Minister of Immigration corrects it to May 2007!

So was Hardeep without a passport from 2007 to 2012?

This post on Twitter now ‘X’ caused much upheaval with top personalities calling off the minister’s bluff of saving the Indian-born fugitive whose killing by two unknown gunmen in Surrey Canada in June has been blamed on Indian agents, and has become an issue between India and Canada.

Some pointed out “Were the dates back-dated to save Nijjer from October’s Shingar Cinema Blast accusation?” The Shingar Cinema blast took place in Ludhiana Punjab killing six in the year 2007.  

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Writer Rashmi Talwar can be reached at rashmitalwarno1@gmail.com

G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meet at UNGA NY avoids all mention of Canada’s allegations of killing of Canadian Sikh by Indian agencies in Joint Statement/ Rashmi Talwar/GREATER JAMMU/

Indo-Canadian Rift and its Fallout 

G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meet at UNGA NY avoids all mention of Canada’s allegations of killing of Canadian Sikh by Indian agencies in Joint Statement

Rashmi Talwar

AMRITSAR 20 SEPT 2023——–In a joint statement released by Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in her capacity as Chair of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting by UN released on 09/19/2023 at 04:01 PM EDT in New York, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union reaffirmed their strong unity in addressing threats to international peace and security.

Significantly, No specific mention was made of the spat caused in the Indo-Canadian ties over Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s charges of threat to the sovereignty of Canada with allegations of killing of a Canadian Sikh on Canadian soil allegedly by Indian agents. The mention under the heading of Indo-Pacific and Beyond reads-“The G7 members reiterated the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, prosperous, secure, and based on the rule of law, and that protects shared principles including sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms, and human rights” This point of joint statement relates to China’s aggressive postures in Vietnam, island disputes with Japan,  and aggression in Taiwan besides  Russia’s war in Ukraine”  clarifies Senior Journalist on Foreign Affairs Sandeep Dishit.

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Do the self-proclaimed ‘5-eyes’ of the world gang up against countries?

AMRITSAR 20SEPT23—– They are the self-proclaimed five-eyes of the world. When one of the five countries takes up any issue, minor or major, against a country, they pounce on the victim country spouting all fire and brimstone, citing their self-framed ideas of liberty, fraternity, and sovereignty and therein their dos and don’ts. The other four countries fall in the accusation line, robotically, like being marshalled. Somebody compared it to the ‘gang rape’ of a victim country who dared to flout or had fallout of favour of either one of the five eyes.

This became true recently when India had a well-entrenched brilliant career diplomat in Dr. S Jaishankar as Foreign Minister stirred India clear from taking sides in the Ukraine- Russia war. This pissed off the Western Bloc to a great extent. This kind of daring by India is being seen to be muzzled by stirring issues to create civil unrest or encouraging anti-India activities from their own soil.  The five-eye Western bloc is seen as the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. India’s honourable FM’s diplomatic flair will be on full display as it stirs India in the face of allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about charges linking Indian Government agents to the murder of Sikh Separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar (45) headed “India’s banned” Sikh terrorist organisation -Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), and was declared ‘Most Wanted’. Nijjar was killed by two unknown gunmen outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada on 18th June.

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Canadian Opposition takes on its PM over allegations against India

Canadian Opposition Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre took a jab at Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for his allegations against India for the alleged killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep S Nijjar. He called upon the Canadian PM to come out clean with all the facts related to these charges.

On a query, the Canadian leader pointed out that it was interesting to note that the PM remained silent on issues of Chinese interference in Canada for many years “I do find it very interesting that he (PM) knew about two Canadian citizens being kept hostage and he (PM Trudeau) did nothing, said nothing.” And added-“We need to see more facts and PM hasn’t provided any facts. He did not tell the opposition or the Canadian public about these allegations against Indian agents. Prime Minister needs to come clean on all the facts and evidence possible so that Canadians can make the judgement on that.

When asked, what were the risks involved if he (PM) didn’t provide more information and if these allegations were untrue or false? “Real!” -The Canadian leader boomed. The Canadian leader of the opposition was answering media queries regarding allegations levelled at India by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s advisory, a setback for JK?

Canada recently poked India with a travel advisory to Jammu and Kashmir with a ‘yellow badge’. It chose the recent Anantnag encounter as a ruse to issue a travel advisory to India, especially to UT of Jammu & Kashmir to needle India. This was easily seen as a spiteful gesture for the diplomatic fallout after the Canadian PM charged Indian Government agents with the  Murder of designated Sikh terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar albeit a Canadian Citizen.

Interestingly on the Canadian website, as many as 95 countries have been marked with ‘Yellow badge’ including India which stands for “Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)” Advisory about  India was updated on 2023-09-18 exactly at 14:48:30 hours.

The 95 countries out of 195 countries of the world are those who have been issued a cautionary advisory by Canada as a ‘Yellow Badge’. Significantly, these yellow-badged countries are the ones that include some European Union (EU) countries which are France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and even Brexit UK. Alongside are China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Israel (West bank and Gaza strip) besides Hong Kong. While advisory caution for travel to China, UAE, Turkey, and HK can be understood what is surprising is a travel advisory to snow-bound Antarctica, where little is seen as a human threat.

Out of 195 countries, 20 countries have been flagged with ‘Red badges’ where the Canadian government advises “Avoid All Travel. “Due to unpredictable security situation; there is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and kidnapping. ”

“And eight countries are those advised to ‘Avoid all unessential travel’ with ‘Orange Badge’. On the whole, Canada has issued favourable travel for only 75 countries in the world!

Significantly, a large chunk of Canadian holidaymakers could be seen in Mexico (which is a visa-less destination for Canadians and Canadian visa holders), despite a ‘Yellow Badge’ travel advisory counselling caution similar to that issued against India. That brings home the impression that Canada’s advisories are taken lightly by its citizens!

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Kashmiri’s take on Canada’s travel advisory against J&K

Ishtiaq Ahmed, of Srinagar, running a travel agency, and owning houseboats and a hotel in Srinagar when asked about Canada’s adverse travel advisory for UT of J&K scoffed at it. “Tell me how many Canadians have come to J&K in the past years?” he countered.

 “Since the time six western tourists and their two guides were kidnapped in Liddarwat  Pahalgam in J&K in July 1995, by forty militants from Kashmiri Islamists; No! I have not come across any Canadian tourists!”

“Mostly Canadian and other western tourists travel to lesser known areas of Kashmir. But very few European, American, British or Australian New Zealanders are seen in recent years. Some stray visible white foreigners are but just a few and far between. So, in my opinion, the advisory is not serious other than a diplomatic expression of displeasure over recent allegations by Canada on India and the Indian diplomats”. And added-“The advisory virtually holds no water for UT of J&K on the ground, as it used to, earlier. Our tourism is booming owing to the scrapping of Article 370 which hindered our growth. Now G20 has taken place, smart city development is on a rapid pace and talks are on for a World Beauty Pageant at Destination Jammu& Kashmir! What more do we desire? ”

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