Canada-India tension creates ripple effect

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This article was published 28/09/2023 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the wake of the escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, the impact on trade and immigration between the two countries is becoming a growing concern, according to business owners.

“The uncertainty surrounding trade relations has led to hesitation among businesses,” the owner of an import-oriented business close to downtown Brandon told the Sun. “It is affecting our business already, especially our goods, as we depend on stable international trade, and this disruption could affect supply chains and market access.”

The entrepreneur, who prefers anonymity, emphasized the importance of resolving the diplomatic crisis swiftly, saying that “both Canada and India are important trade partners for us. Any prolonged tension could lead to economic losses for businesses on both sides.”

Pragati – The Indian Cultural Association (Brandon) is also feeling the heat of the tension between the two nations.

“It is extremely sad that Canada-India is experiencing this crisis. But I have trust in our leaders and theirs that a solution will be reached soon,” its director, Krunal Panchal, told the Sun. “To my knowledge, businesses with active trade in Brandon remain unaffected as of now.”

Panchal said that one of the most affected sectors is travel, particularly during the months of December to February, when many individuals travel for weddings and family functions, adding that Canadian citizens are no longer offered e-visas to India, but those with Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards or Indian passports can still travel without restrictions.

However, he expressed concern about the potential long-term impact on incoming international students and temporary workers, a significant part of the Canadian workforce.

“Both countries should see each other as allies rather than foes. I hope leaders of both countries keep their communication channels open and this diplomatic spat does not escalate. I see these impacting incoming international students and temporary workers at some point,” he said. “These are Indian nationals that make up a good chunk of our workforce currently. We need them. It’s a shame that this will impact people’s daily lives and it is certainly more than severing diplomatic ties.”

Like Panchal, a Brandon-based immigrant who prefers anonymity explained the significance of Indian immigrants for the Canadian job market.

“Indian nationals, including international students and temporary workers, constitute a vital part of Canada’s workforce,” he said. “The interruption in visa processing and the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies could deter potential candidates from choosing Canada as their destination. This, in the long run, might affect the talent pool available to Canadian businesses.”

When the Sun inquired with Brandon-Souris Conservative MP Larry Maguire on the impact of the Canada-India diplomatic tension on trade and travel in the area, he referred the reporter to comments made by Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre in the House of Commons.

“If these allegations are substantiated, they represent a grave affront to Canada’s sovereignty. Our citizens must be safeguarded from all forms of extrajudicial killings, particularly those involving foreign governments. Canadians are entitled to protection on Canadian soil,” Poilievre stated. “We call upon the Indian government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this murder. The truth must emerge, and we must ascertain the perpetrators and masterminds behind this assassination. The Conservatives remain committed to seeking answers.”

Poilievre said that all Canadians now stand in solidarity with diaspora communities of Indian origin and that it is at this juncture that the official opposition appeals for calm.

“We are all Canadians; this is our homeland. It is incumbent upon us to stand united for our country and for one another,” he added. “Let us join together in condemning this murder, expressing our support for the victim’s family and friends. Let us set aside our differences to uphold the rule of law, one that applies equally to all Canadians and is crafted in this chamber by Canadians for Canadians.”

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai had expressed his views on the diplomatic tussle during his recent trade mission to India, where discussions revolved around attracting more workers to the territory.

Pillai, who was part of the Canadian delegation to India, spoke about the positive outcomes of the meetings, focusing on various business opportunities, including health care, tourism, mining and the film industry.

However, he acknowledged that concerns were rising due to the comments made by Ottawa regarding alleged links between India’s government and the killing of Sikh independence activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C.

“The meetings were all very positive. They were concerned about the comments that were coming out of Ottawa, but at the same time, they were really focused on business-to-business opportunities,” Pillai noted.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed in Parliament earlier this month that Canadian intelligence services were investigating a potential link between the Indian government and the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C. These allegations have led to the expulsion of diplomats from both nations and a halt in visa processing.

The diplomatic tensions between Canada and India have deepened following Trudeau’s assertion that there are “credible reasons” to suspect Indian involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist, on Canadian soil.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a figure designated as a terrorist by India in 2020, was fatally shot outside a temple in June. This event, coupled with Trudeau’s allegations, has led to a sharp escalation in tensions between the two nations.

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