Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at an event in Toronto as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the crowd. The pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at the Khalsa Day celebration on Sunday.
In his speech, Trudeau went on to assure the Sikh community that the Canadian government would protect their rights and freedoms at all costs.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were among those who attended the Khalsa Day celebration in Toronto.
Khalsa Day is known as Vaisaki, the day that marks the celebration of the Sikh New Year.
Pro-Khalistan slogans could be heard during Trudeau’s speech.
The pro-Khalistan slogans had started while Trudeau walked to address people at the Khalsa Day event.
“We gather here today to remember that one of Canada’s greatest strengths is its diversity. We are strong, not in spite of our differences, but because of our differences. But even as we look at these differences, we have to remember and get reminded on days such as this and every day, that Sikh values are Canadian values,” said Justin Trudeau during the Khalsa Day celebration in Toronto.
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the biggest yearly gatherings in the city.
“To the nearly 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage across this country, we will always be there to protect your rights and your freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination,” said Trudeau.
The Canadian Prime Minister mentioned that they’re improving security and infrastructure by adding more security to community centres and places of worship, like Gurdwaras.
“Your right to practice your religion freely and without intimidation is exactly that – a fundamental right, guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, that we will always stand up and defend you for. We will stand with you. Once again on this wonderful day of celebrations, Happy Baisakhi! Vaheguru ji ka khalsa Vaheguru ji ki fateh,” said Trudeau.
