Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has addressed concerns from the Hindu community regarding the annual Diwali celebration in Ottawa, clarifying that the event has not been canceled. A statement from Poilievre’s office, shared by Indo-Canadian host Darshan Maharaja on X (formerly Twitter), explained that only the event’s location and timing have been modified.
The statement noted that the celebration will be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty this year, rather than Poilievre himself. “This event has always been organized by a member of the Conservative Caucus—in this case, MP Doherty—and not by the Leader of the Opposition or his office,” it read. “While there are changes to the location and timing, MP Doherty will still host a Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebration in Ottawa with members of the South Asian community and the Conservative Caucus.”
Poilievre expressed that he looks forward to celebrating these significant cultural and religious occasions with Canadians.
