Nijjar killing: Trudeau blames ex-government for being 'cozy' with India
What's the story
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified at a hearing that his government was committed to defending Canadians, including addressing the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
His comments were made during a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada's 2019 and 2021 elections.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Trudeau also attacked the former Conservative government, accusing it of being "cozy" with the current Indian government.
Context
Why does this story matter?
India-Canada relations were severely strained following Trudeau's accusations that Indian agents were "potentially" involved in the killing of Nijjar, who was shot dead in Surrey last June.
Days after the charges, India announced that it would temporarily stop the issuing of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country.
Trudeau's claims have been called "absurd" and "motivated" by India, which has accused Canada of providing sanctuary to Khalistani extremists.
Political stance
Trudeau criticizes previous government's ties with India
In his remarks, Trudeau questioned the relationship between the previous conservative government and India, suggesting it may have influenced their handling of minority issues.
Trudeau stated, "I think that's certainly a question one needs to ask of the previous conservative government."
He emphasized his own administration's commitment to defending minorities in Canada and their rights to speak out.
Foreign interference
Trudeau addresses concerns over China's alleged election meddling
PM Trudeau also addressed concerns about China's alleged interference in the Canadian elections.
He suggested that while China may have attempted to influence recent Canadian elections, it was not clear if Beijing favored any particular party.
Notably, Trudeau's Liberal Party emerged victorious in both the 2019 and 2021 elections.
A report from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) revealed that China "clandestinely and deceptively" interfered in the last two federal elections.
National security
Have no interest in interfering: China
An investigation into allegations of foreign meddling in the Canadian elections was triggered by several media reports that cited unnamed sources and leaked documents.
China, on its part, has denied all charges of interference in Canadian affairs, claiming it has no desire to do so.
The same investigation concluded that there isn't any solid proof that the Indian government interfered with the 2021 Canadian elections.