As tensions continue to bubble between the governments of Canada and India, a Richmond MP is highlighting the importance of safety for his constituents and fellow Canadian citizens.
The shooting death of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the parking lot of a Surrey gurdwara on June 18 has sparked allegations of involvement by the government of India and raised safety concerns for many in the Indo-Canadian community.
Parm Bains, MP for Steveston-Richmond East, said citizens shouldn’t have to worry about their safety while living in Canada.
“Canadians should know that our safety is paramount,” said Bains, adding Canada has been a “beacon of safety throughout history” for people around the world.
Last week in Parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a “potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen.”
While Bains said it would be “irresponsible” of him to speak about the investigation itself, he wants to focus on what he and the government can do, which is to ensure the “safety of Canadians.”
Maintaining the “rule of law, the Charter of Rights, which allows us to practice our religion and freedom that we enjoy” is more important now than ever, he added.
Bains told the Richmond News that living in Richmond his whole life has shown a city can live in harmony and be accepting of differences whether it be faith or traditions.
“We should be proud of the harmony we’ve enjoyed in the City of Richmond,” he said, highlighting the city’s “Highway to Heaven” on No. 5 Road.
“We have a five-kilometre corridor with over 20 different religious institutions, people from all different faiths, all side-by-side with one another.
“At this time, I would encourage everyone to come together and be proud of what the Prime Minister has done to ensure that we will not tolerate other nations trying to infringe on the freedoms that we have.”
When asked what Canada’s next steps are, Bains said they will need to let the national security agencies and public safety agencies do their work.
He added “time will tell” what action is taken next.
While Bains called the killing of Nijjar “a serious matter,” he also said it’s a unique instance, and Canadians should otherwise be proud of their freedom.
“But we need to ensure that bottom line is that we have to make sure everyone is safe in this country. That’s what the expectation is of everyone out there, their governments and that’s what we’re doing.”
-with files from Canadian Press
