While Canada's government was quick to level unfounded accusations against India, little did they realize that these claims would inadvertently expose their own veiled secrets. Cited as a beacon of democratic values, Canada now faces scrutiny over China's alarming intervention in its electoral process—interference that occurred not just once but twice.
According to investigations by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), China's government clandestinely and deceptively meddled in Canada's general elections of 2019 and 2021. These elections both consolidating the Liberal Party's position, which is headed by none other than Trudeau himself.
Trudeau's Ties with China Revealed
The CSIS report unveiled that the People's Republic of China (PRC) had covertly and misleadingly interfered in the 2019 and 2021 general elections. In both instances, the foreign intervention was strategically executed, buoying candidates perceived as pro-China or those with a neutral stance on issues aligned with the Chinese government's interests.
It's worth mentioning that Canada has previously accused India of meddling in their elections—a claim that India has staunchly refuted as baseless. The spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized, 'We firmly dismiss all groundless accusations of Indian intervention in Canadian elections.' Reuters reported that the investigation also identified the interference as aiming to discourage Canadians, particularly those of Chinese descent, from supporting either the Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole or the candidate from Steveston-Richmond East, Kenny Chiu.
In the wake of opposition discontent over China's role in elections, Trudeau established a commission to investigate foreign interference. Prominent Canadian political figures are now testifying before this commission.
Notably, Canada's opposition Conservative Party is often regarded as a more vocal critic of China compared to the ruling Liberal Party. Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole has contended that this interference resulted in his party's loss of nine seats.
Prime Minister Trudeau is expected to appear before the commission on Wednesday. It will be intriguing to see how Trudeau responds to these allegations given that he arguably benefited the most from the alleged interference. The Canadian government had previously blamed India for meddling in their elections; however, Trudeau now finds himself in the crosshairs, and his administration's integrity on the global stage is at stake.
It should be noted that Trudeau's tenure has proven detrimental to India-Canada relations. His administration has become infamous for misrepresentations and baseless accusations against India.
Irresponsible Allegations about Nijjar's Assassination
In 2023, Trudeau sparked international uproar when he implicated Indian agencies in the killing of Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A Canadian national, Nijjar was assassinated in Canada where he orchestrated anti-India activities.
In the Canadian Parliament, Trudeau stated that Canadian security agencies are actively investigating the alleged link between the Indian government and Nijjar's assassination. This statement soured bilateral relations to such an extent that both nations expelled several diplomats.
Since September 2023, Canada has been probing the case, yet to this day, they have failed to furnish evidence implicating Indian agencies in Nijjar's murder.
Trudeau's Leniency Towards Nazis
Justin Trudeau's political missteps have been aplenty, leading to multiple embarrassing retractions. Last year, the Canadian parliament paid tribute to 98-year-old Nazi soldier Yaroslav Hanka. The global fallout was inevitable, with Jewish organizations worldwide expressing their dismay. Trudeau issued an apology, deeply regretting the incident and acknowledging that honoring such a figure without fully understanding his background was a grave mistake and an insult to the memories of those persecuted by the Nazi regime.
Trudeau's G-20 Tantrums in India
Trudeau’s actions during the last G-20 Summit in India also became a talking point. He refused to stay in the Presidential Suite of a five-star hotel in Delhi and instead preferred a regular room, causing tensions with Indian security protocols.
Upon his planned departure from India, Trudeau's plane unexpectedly malfunctioned, forcing a 36-hour stay. Although the Indian government offered its VVIP aircraft, Trudeau stubbornly declined, insisting on waiting for the Canadian plane's repairs.
Government sources indicated that the center had proposed using Air India One, a two-plane Boeing 777 fleet reserved for the President of India, the Vice President, and the Prime Minister on their international travels. However, Canada declined the offer, opting instead to await the repair of their own aircraft.
