PM Justin Trudeau appoints Dominic LeBlanc as Canada’s new Finance Minister
Canada's Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc was appointed as the new Finance Minister on Monday in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled tonight’s dinner invitation to Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist. Patel was hosting the dinner for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation.
“The High Commission has rescinded Mr. Atwal’s invitation. We do not comment of matters relating to the PM’s security,” the Canadian High Commission said in New Delhi.
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Jaspal Atwal, a member of banned outfit International Sikh Youth Federation was convicted of attempted murder in 1986. He along with four men ambushed and shot at Cabinet Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu while he was visiting Vancouver Island in 1986.
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The invite sent to Atwal read: “His Excellency Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India is pleased to invite Jaspal Atwal to a dinner reception celebrating Canada-India ties on the occasion of the visit of The Right Hounourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.”
The cancellation comes at a time when Trudeau’s pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.
On his part, Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.
Shockingly, pictures of Atwal along with the Canadian PM’s wife, Sophie Trudeau as well as Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi at a function in Mumbai on February 20 have also gone viral on social media.
Atwal, who lives in Canada came to India on February 11 in his personal capacity and not along with Trudeau’s official entourage, reports said.
Trudeau had on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh of not supporting any separatist movement in India.
(With agency inputs)
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