House of Commons approves motion regarding ‘foreign interference’ in Canada’s domestic affairs | Global News

The House of Commons in Canada has passed a private member’s motion titled “Political Interference, Violence or Intimidation on Canadian Soil”, which includes references to an alleged Indian link to the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The motion was moved by Indo-Canadian MP Sukh Dhaliwal and seconded by eight other MPs, including several Indo-Canadians.

The motion, which was passed with 326 votes for and none against, has garnered attention for its mention of “credible allegations of a link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen” on Canadian soil. The motion also highlighted rising forms of intimidation, threats, and interference from countries such as India, China, Russia, Iran, and others.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed on June 18 last year in Surrey, British Columbia, was the principal organizer in the province for the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). His killing had impacted bilateral ties between Canada and India, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledging “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder.

The passing of the motion has not been without controversy, as it was opposed by the Canada India Foundation (CIF), a leading Indo-Canadian organization. CIF expressed concerns that the motion could damage the Canada-India relationship and noted the disproportionate influence of a violent minority on domestic politics and foreign policy.

Overall, the passing of this motion has sparked discussions about foreign interference in Canada’s internal affairs and the need to hold accountable those who undermine democratic institutions or engage in acts of violence or intimidation within the country.