Toronto, Nov 4 (IANS) – People's Party of Canada (PPC) leader Maxime Bernier has criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leaders Jagmeet Singh and Pierre Poilievre for their inadequate responses to recent attacks on Hindu temples and devotees in Brampton.
Bernier accused these leaders of avoiding direct mention of the attackers due to fears of alienating certain voter demographics. He took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, stating, "Can you spot the difference between my tweet and that of the three establishment party leaders?"
Labeling them "cowards, " Bernier added, "Not one of these leaders dares to even name those who are committing the violence. They're afraid to offend some voters, even though those responsible for the attacks represent a minority of the community."
He further argued that this reluctance is contributing to the rise of extremism in Canada, sharing screenshots of his and the leaders’ posts for comparison. This critique follows an incident near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, where worshippers were reportedly targeted. Peel Police were present at the temple, but no arrests have been made so far.
In a separate post, Bernier shared a video of the alleged attack, asserting that such incidents should not intimidate Canadians who believe in the strength of diversity. He commented, "Attack on worshippers at Brampton Hindu temple. Nothing to worry about though because diversity is our strength!!!"
Independent MP Kevin Vuoung also condemned the violence against Hindu Canadians, calling it alarming. He remarked, "From extremist groups to those who cosplay as terrorists, Canada has become a safe haven for radicals. Our leaders are failing to protect Hindus as they have with other communities from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace."
Prime Minister Trudeau described the incident as "unacceptable" and reaffirmed the importance of religious freedom and community safety. "Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely, " he wrote on X, expressing gratitude to the Peel Regional Police for their prompt response.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre echoed this sentiment, labeling the attack "completely unacceptable." He reassured Canadians that the Conservative Party stands firmly against such violence and is committed to uniting the nation to restore peace.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), also condemned the violence, stating, "Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace." He called on community leaders to advocate for harmony, but like his counterparts, he did not mention the specifics of the extremist actions.
This incident highlights growing concerns regarding religious intolerance in Canada, reminiscent of past acts of vandalism targeting Hindu temples in locations such as Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton.
Relations between India and Canada have remained tense following last year’s diplomatic fallout, which stemmed from Trudeau’s allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a separatist leader. India has rejected these claims as unfounded and accused Canada of harboring extremist activities.
As the situation unfolds, the need for decisive leadership and a clear stance against violence remains paramount to ensure the safety and harmony of all communities in Canada.