A Komagata Maru apology, an NDP alliance: Why Justin Trudeau might not condemn Khalistan extremism
Justin Trudeau seeks to return to governance for a third straight term, his popularity seems to have taken a hit, giving way to Conservative Right wing opposition candidate Pierre Poilievre. PM Trudeau's handling of the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar seems to indicate a subtle dissociation from a right-wing leader in order to propel his static year-over-year at 31 per cent popularity as best choice for Prime Minister candidate. The need to move away, rather severe ties with right wing ideologies seems like an opportune moment for an unfazed PM Trudeau.
Notably, Canada houses the second highest Sikh Population in the world, after India. Currently, Canada has a Sikh population of more than 770,000, or about 2% of its total population. Discontent has long simmered between Canada and India over Sikh separatism, a movement that has had a bloody history.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's ally is NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who is a Khalistan sympathiser. According to the recent poll, Singh's popularity has slipped four points since September 2022, with 22 per cent of respondents saying he’s the best choice to lead the government. Currently, the minority Liberals have a supply and confidence agreement with the NDP.
That party has agreed to support the government on confidence matters until the next scheduled election in fall 2025. In exchange, the Liberals agreed to advance key NDP priorities like dentalcare and pharmacare, with legislation expected on the latter by the end of the year. However, 53 per cent of respondents say it’s time for the NDP to stop supporting the Liberals and trigger an election.
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