Mr. Speaker, we are moving into a world where it is becoming easier for foreign countries to suppress freedom beyond their own borders and extend repressive policies on the international stage, using social media and online censorship and, sadly, through transnational intimidation and murder. The tools and playbook that these countries are using are evolving, and how we deal with them must evolve as well.
I appreciate the opportunity today to speak to the very serious findings with respect to the involvement of agents of the Government of India in serious criminal activity on Canadian soil, disclosed by the RCMP last week.
The RCMP and national security officials made several attempts to work with the Government of India and Indian law enforcement counterparts on this matter, with the goal of putting an end to these criminal activities. They were repeatedly rebuffed in their attempts, including earlier this month, when the deputy commissioner, Mark Flynn; the national security and intelligence adviser, Nathalie Drouin; and the deputy minister of foreign affairs, David Morrison, met with officials from the Government of India. As such, the RCMP was compelled to move forward with the disclosure of the evidence it had gathered, which it did on October 14. I agree wholeheartedly with the Prime Minister, who said on October 14, “The government of India made a fundamental error in thinking that they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians here on Canadian soil.”
Canadians will not accept this happening here, because Canada offers a promise: to live in a democracy where fundamental rights are a guarantee and where freedom, rules-based order and safety are paramount. We share the common values that we are stronger when we learn from each other and when we peacefully share different ideas, even when we challenge each other's perspectives. That is why so many people call Canada home. That is why my family chose to come here. It is clear that for the Government of India, freedom is subjective, the rules-based order is only an uncomfortable theory and safety is clearly in question.
The RCMP's investigation found that the Indian government and its agents have a vested interest in defiling the very institutions and freedoms that make Canada Canada, undermining our democracy, corralling our freedom and harming our citizens. Additionally, the RCMP and our security agencies will not tolerate acts of violence against Canadians for exercising their right to free speech, which is protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We will not tolerate this, and no one in the House should tolerate this. I would like to thank the RCMP and our security agencies for their thorough work in protecting Canadians.
It has been a difficult few months for Sikh Canadians. Our community has been seized by intimidation, extortion, coercion and other serious offences. They can rest assured that Canadians from outside this community are now paying attention. There is no justification for perpetrating violence against Canadians in Canada. This is not a partisan issue. This is not subjective. It is not fodder for two-bit slogans and diversion tactics. This is about freedom and the lives of Canadians that are at stake. The rule of law is under threat here.
Canadians rightly expect party leaders to have their security clearance, and this includes the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, to know and understand the threats, foreign and domestic, even within their own party. A leader who does not stand up for all Canadians does not deserve to hold the highest office, and it is clear that the Conservative Party does not stand up for all Canadians. It was clear last week, when the Conservative leader did not release an official statement on his channels following the RCMP's revelations. A lack of a response only emboldens foreign governments to perpetuate disinformation and interference.
Every Canadian has the freedom to live their life in Canada without the fear of violence or coercion from a foreign entity. That does not come with an asterisk. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that Canada's principles are safeguarded, for dissent does not give leave to sanction murder in any civilized society. To attempt and actively pursue means of coercion, violence and extortion is the antithesis of a free, sovereign and civilized democracy.
I am proud that the majority of Canadians across the country have neither bowed to coercion nor to those in Canada who seek to facilitate it. In the weeks and months ahead, the RCMP will continue to do its important work, but this is a collective effort. If one sees something, they must say something by contacting the RCMP's national security information network. This would help us as we bring these individuals to justice.
I have said this before, but it bears repeating, especially as we grapple with the reality of extensive foreign interference in the lives of Canadians. Those who seek to undermine Canada's sovereignty will do and say things to delegitimize and undermine people's existence as a Canadian. We must not let them. Those who are Sikh are Canadian. Those who are Hindu are Canadian. Those who are Christian are Canadian. Those who are atheist are Canadian.
In whichever corner of this country, Canadians are free. Whatever Canadians look like, Canadians deserve safety. We are Canadian, and Canada will always fight to remain a free and open democracy.
