A total of 23 ministers were tasked with new roles, including Bill Blair as Minister of National Defence…reports Asian Lite News
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced major changes to his cabinet, introducing new ministers of defence and public safety.
According to the announcement on Wednesday, the cabinet retains 38 ministers, in addition to the Prime Minister.
A total of 23 ministers were tasked with new roles, including Bill Blair as Minister of National Defence, Dominic LeBlanc as Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Sean Fraser as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Xinhua news agency reported.
The shuffle dropped seven ministers and promoted seven new faces. Eight ministers remain in their portfolio which include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault and Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly.
The new cabinet is ready to deliver on what matters most to Canadians including making life more affordable for the middle class and growing the economy, Trudeau said.
Local media reported that it meant to reset the minority Liberal agenda after eight years in power and the prime minister is hoping with these changes to lock in the team he will lead into the next election, currently slated for 2025.
Canada is sanctioning Russian individuals and entities connected to private military companies which include Wagner Group figureheads …reports Asian Lite News
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly has announced that Canada is imposing additional military and culture sanctions against Russia.
These sanctions target 20 individuals and 21 entities connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex as well as 19 individuals and four entities in the Russian cultural and education sectors, the Minister said in a news statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, Canada is sanctioning Russian individuals and entities connected to private military companies which include Wagner Group figureheads who have been active in both Ukraine and Africa, Xinhua news agency reported.
Canada has already listed the Wagner Group and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Canada is also targeting leaders in Russia’s nuclear sector and a number of Russian persons involved in the Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle development, manufacturing and supply chain, the statement added.
In addition, these sanctions target Russian singers, actors and filmmakers, as well as entities and senior officials in Russia’s cultural sector, such as the Minister of Culture and the leaders of major museums, the statement said.
Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,600 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova.
(180710) -- RIGA, July 10, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a joint press conference with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis (not seen in picture) in Riga, Latvia, on July 10, 2018. Trudeau pledged sustained commitment to Latvia's security during his visit to Riga on Tuesday, saying that Canada would extend its leadership of the NATO battalion stationed in the Baltic country for four more years. (Xinhua/Janis)
Foreign interference by repressive regimes, with China being a prime example, has become a grave concern for Canada’s sovereignty and the safety of its residents. Exploiting loopholes in Canadian law, China has engaged in transnational repression and interference, particularly targeting its nationals who have sought refuge in Canada. To effectively combat this growing threat, human rights lawyer David Matas has called for comprehensive legislation that specifically addresses China’s foreign interference activities. This article highlights the urgent need for such legislation to protect Canada from China’s influence and safeguard its democratic values
China, notorious for its human rights abuses, has been misusing international mechanisms, including Interpol, to harass and intimidate its citizens who have fled to other countries. By abusing Interpol’s Red Notices, intended for locating and arresting individuals wanted for a legitimate criminal prosecution, China targets individuals with politically motivated allegations instead. This manipulation undermines the purpose of Interpol and subjects innocent individuals to unwarranted harassment and persecution.
Furthermore, China has exploited mutual legal assistance agreements to further its political objectives. Repressive regimes, such as China, have taken advantage of these mechanisms to manipulate criminal proceedings, using them as tools of repression. To counter this abuse, human rights lawyer David Matas emphasizes the need for Canada to exercise caution in its cooperation with such regimes on criminal matters, limiting its obligations to states with whom it has legitimate extradition treaties. By doing so, Canada can prevent the misuse of these agreements for political interference.
China’s interference extends beyond legal channels and infiltrates various aspects of Canadian society. Its consulates have been involved in targeting individuals, even prominent figures like Conservative MP Michael Chong, through covert means. This form of interference poses a direct threat to the safety and freedom of those residing in Canada. Additionally, allegations of China’s meddling in Canada’s federal elections, including campaign funding and interference, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of Canada’s democratic processes.
While Canada has some laws in place to address foreign influence, they are insufficient to effectively counter China’s interference efforts. The existing Lobbying Act focuses primarily on activities involving payment and contact with federal public office holders, leaving out other forms of foreign influence.
Similarly, the Canada Elections Act prohibits undue influence by foreigners during election periods but lacks a comprehensive registration requirement. The Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act (FMIOA) allows Canada to declare foreign diplomats persona non grata but lacks public registration and a code of conduct provision.
To confront the shortcomings in the current framework, Matas advocates for the establishment of a comprehensive registration system for foreign actors. This system would ensure that individuals and entities engaged in activities that may influence Canadian affairs are identified, monitored, and held accountable. By clearly defining prohibited activities for foreign actors, the legislation can effectively counter covert forms of influence, even when no monetary transactions are involved.
Importantly, the proposed legislation should not exempt Canadian citizens engaging in prohibited activities. Inclusion of Canadian citizens ensures comprehensive accountability and discourages unwitting complicity in foreign interference efforts. By subjecting Canadian citizens to the same standards and consequences as foreign actors, the legislation reinforces the principle that safeguarding democracy is a shared responsibility.
To enhance oversight and enforcement, Matas suggests the establishment of a foreign influence commissioner, similar to the commissioner of lobbying. This independent authority would receive and investigate complaints of code of conduct violations by any entity or person, including foreign embassies and consulates. The commissioner would act as a neutral arbiter, ensuring transparency and accountability in assessing potential foreign influence activities. Regular reports to Parliament by the foreign influence commissioner would contribute to greater transparency in decision-making processes and strengthen Canada’s ability to combat foreign interference effectively. By subjecting Canadian citizens to the same standards and consequences as foreign actors, the legislation sends a strong message that no one is above the law when it comes to safeguarding democracy.
China’s exploitation of gaps in Canadian law for its repressive agenda poses an imminent threat to the safety, freedom, and democratic values of individuals residing in Canada. Urgent and comprehensive legislation is needed to counter China’s foreign interference, including mechanisms to register foreign actors, establish clear boundaries through a code of conduct, and implement robust prevention and enforcement measures. By taking a firm stand against China’s transnational repression and human rights abuses, Canada can safeguard the integrity of its democratic processes and protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
The surging wave of Khalistan extremist activity threatens not only India but the fabric of Canadian society…writes Antariksh Singh
In the tranquil lanes of Canada, a disturbing narrative is unfolding. Roadside signs and posters with violence-inciting content have cropped up, perturbing the peaceful coexistence of the country’s diverse communities. These signs aren’t merely inflammatory; they pronounce a locale as a “war zone.” These symbols of incitement, a kilometer north of Malton Gurdawara, beg the question: Are Malton, or even Canada as a whole, war zones?
The disturbing trail of this narrative leads back to the Khalistan separatist extremists who have been orchestrating a campaign of divisiveness in the peaceful environs of Canada.
A temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) recently had the unpleasant surprise of a poster targeting Indian diplomats in Canada. Notably, this act was the first instance of the controversial anti-India poster from the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) appearing physically, having previously circulated only online. This brazen act only adds to the growing list of temple desecrations over recent months.
Khalistani provocations touched new heights. "War zone" sign posted outside Bhart Mata Mandir in Brampton after Airport Road, Malton. Wake up Canada "war zone" has reached home! pic.twitter.com/ZrFpeX1SgA
The poster featuring the images of Indian High Commissioner and Consul Generals in Canada was found outside the Bharat Mata Mandir in Brampton, chillingly accompanied by the words “Faces of Shaheed Nijjar’s Killers in Canada” and the ominous term “War Zone.”
In response to the rising tensions, Indo-Canadians have planned a peaceful rally at the Indian Consulate in Toronto, an organic counter-movement against the Khalistan Freedom Rally. A group of concerned citizens, irrespective of any specific organization, are leading the charge.
Virender Singh, a Toronto resident participating in the march, puts it succinctly, “We are a group of concerned citizens of Indo-Canadian heritage. We believe that Canadian values do not align with the threats to Indian diplomats.”
This situation poses a grave question to Canadian authorities: Are they overlooking a potentially disruptive element under the guise of peaceful dissent? As Arvind Mishra from Brampton puts it, “What would they do if people held rallies under the banner of Al Qaeda or ISIS with posters of Osama bin Laden or the ISIS chief?”
The reason why the Canadian government looks the other way when it comes to Khalistani separatist elements is that the Sikh diaspora lives in key electoral areas known as “swing ridings” such as Toronto, British Columbia, and Ontario. The UK’s Surrey, home to a large Sikh population, has also traditionally been a closely fought election.
As for the main “threat”, it seems to emanate from Canada and the UK.
“The UK and Canada are home to the two largest Sikh diasporas in the world who mostly live in key electoral areas like UK’s Southall and Canada’s Surrey or British Columbia. They’re a vote bank for politicians,” says Ajai Sahni, Director of Institute of Conflict Studies who also runs Khalistan Extremist Monitor.
Good to see how few and feeble the offered excuses are for the "Killer" posters threatening Indian diplomats. One says, gosh, it's about voting for Khalistan, not killing. Oh? It says, "KILL INDIA." And who represents India? These guys! Who are "KILLERS!" There's just no excuse. pic.twitter.com/D56lZKOSUO
The surging wave of Khalistan extremist activity threatens not only India but the fabric of Canadian society. These attempts to turn peaceful streets into declared war zones and to incite violence against diplomats undermine the values of peace and unity that Canada holds dear.
It is, however, crucial to remember that this extremist campaign is a far cry from commanding any significant public support. This point was underscored when the Khalistan Freedom Rally, organized in London, attracted a paltry crowd of just 30 participants.
This lack of support is a clear indication that the Khalistan movement doesn’t resonate with the majority of Sikhs, let alone the wider population, either in India or abroad. Rather, it is just a handful of individuals who are causing a nuisance not only for India but also for their host countries, such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Their tactics, aimed at generating controversy and inciting discord, are overwhelmingly rejected by communities who value peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
It is time for a collective stand against this form of extremism, as it holds the potential to poison the diverse and harmonious society that Canada strives to cultivate. A war zone is not the face of Malton, GTA, or Canada. The true spirit of these places lies in their rich diversity, multiculturalism, and harmonious coexistence. The Trudeau government must not allow extremism to overshadow these values. They must now not allow a handful of separatists to disturb peace in Canada.
A firefighting plane flies above wildfires in Shellburne County, Nova Scotia, Canada, on May 31, 2023. (Nova Scotia Government/Handout via Xinhua/IANS)
The number of wildfires in the country so far this year reached 3,430, devouring about 88,000 square kilometres of land….reports Asian Lite News
A Canadian government agency said the country’s record-breaking wildfire season will continue to be challenging.
The 2023 wildfire season has already been the nation’s most severe on record and current projections indicate that this may continue to be a significantly challenging summer for wildfires in parts of the country, Xinhua news agency quoted the Natural Resources Canada as saying in a statement on Thursday.
According to the government agency, most recent projections indicate a continued potential for higher-than-normal fire activity across most of the country throughout the 2023 wildland fire season.
This is due to long-range forecasts for warm temperatures and ongoing drought, which are affecting parts of all provinces and territories and intensifying in some regions.
For July, warm and dry conditions will increase wildfire risk from British Columbia and Yukon through to western Labrador.
During August, the area at risk will stretch from British Columbia through western Quebec, the statement said.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre said on Thursday there were 649 active wildfires nationwide and the number of out-of-control wildfires was 353.
The number of wildfires in the country so far this year reached 3,430, devouring about 88,000 square kilometres of land.
The government has already taken key steps to respond to the 2023 wildfire season, such as making additional investments to train more firefighters and provide support to provinces and territories on equipment and deploying Canadian Armed Forces personnel and capabilitie.
Natural Resources Canada also announced two new steps to strengthen Canada’s response to the wildfires including the upgrading of a National Fire Equipment Cache in Banff National Park to act as a central equipment repository for Parks Canada and augment local equipment reserves in national parks across the country.
Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said in the release that coupled with long-term investments in wildfire fighting as well as climate mitigation and adaptation, Canada will address the root cause of these intensified fires: climate change.
Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair said that from personal losses and evacuation orders to poor air quality Canadians right across the country have felt the impacts of this challenging wildfire season.
According to local media, more Canadians have been evacuated from their homes this year than in the last four decades, with more than 155,000 forced to leave due to fire and smoke.
Blair said the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre is coordinating international deployments.
Canada now has seven international arrangements with partner countries to ensure mutual assistance in the face of intensified wildfires, including resources, information and knowledge sharing.
Calling Canada an extremely diverse country, Canadian says his country will make sure that violence and extremism are pushed back in all its forms…reports Asian Lite News
Reacting to allegations that the Canadian government is soft and reluctant to act against pro-Khalistan gatherings and terrorists in the country, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada has “always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will.”
In the past couple of months, three major anti-India incidents involving Khalistani separatists have been reported in Canada. Calling Canada an “extremely diverse country,” he said his country will make sure that violence and extremism are pushed back in all its forms.
Trudeau refuted allegations that he is soft on terrorist elements. His statement comes after India summoned Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi over propaganda material, including posters, containing threats to Indian diplomats being circulated in Canada and has served a demarche to the Justin Trudeau government.
In response to a question regarding the parade in Canada depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Trudeau said, “They are wrong. Canada has always taken extremely seriously violence and threats of violence. We have always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will.”
“We have an extremely diverse country and freedom of expression is something that we have. But, we will also make sure that we are pushing back against violence and extremism in all its forms,” he added.
According to sources, India on Monday raised concerns over threats to its diplomats in posters being circulated in Canada with information on a pro-Khalistan rally to be held on July 8. The posters contained threats to the Indian Ambassador to Canada and the consulate general in Toronto.
The posters purportedly circulated by Sikh extremists have named Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and the Consulate General of India, Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava accusing them of playing a role in the June killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
The rally is being held in the name of Harjit Singh Nijjar aka Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist who was killed in a targeted shooting in Canada’s Surrey on June 18.
MEA slams Khalistani posters targeting diplomats
Meanwhile, in response to recent incidents of several posters inciting violence against Indian diplomats and the diplomatic premises, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that it is “unacceptable” and India condemns them in the strongest terms.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, the official spokesperson of MEA, Arindam Bagchi said, “You must have seen posters inciting violence against the Indian diplomats. Our sense is that…these posters inciting violence against our diplomats and our diplomatic premises brought are unacceptable and we condemn them in the strongest terms. With respect to Canada, the matter has been strongly taken with the Canadian authorities, both in New Delhi and in Ottawa.” He said that New Delhi has called on the Canadian government to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats.
“We have called on the government of Canada to take all steps to ensure the safety of our diplomats and security of our diplomatic missions in Canada,” Bagchi said, adding that it is a matter of concern that freedom of expression and speech is once again being misused by the anti-India elements based in Canada.
“It is a matter of concern that freedom of expression and speech is once again being misused by the anti-India elements based in Canada and elsewhere. We continue to press the Canadian side to ensure our diplomats can carry out their normal functions without fear and intimidation,” Bagchi added.
Responding to media queries on reports about comments by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the MEA spokesperson said, “We have seen some comments .. at least the media reports about comments by PM Trudeau but let me make the larger point, that the issue is not about freedom of expression but its misuse for advocating violence for propagating separatism and for legitimising terrorism..and that is what we would like to emphasize.”
He also said that there have been similar situations where these kinds of threats have been given in other countries as well.
Canada assures cooperation
Earlier on Tuesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said that her country is in close contact with Indian officials in light of some “unacceptable” posters that have appeared in Canada, regarding a protest planned for July 8, which bears the names and photos of some top Indian diplomats.
In her statement shared on Twitter, Melanie Joly stated, “Canada takes its obligations under the Vienna Conventions regarding the safety of diplomats very seriously. Canada remains in close contact with Indian officials in light of some of the promotional material circulating online regarding a protest planned for July 8th, which is unacceptable. We know that the actions of a few do not speak for an entire community or Canada.”
Earlier in June, a tableau parade was organised in Canada celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi, which drew severe criticism from New Delhi. In March this year, Khalistan supporters held a protest outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot. (ANI)
Canadian MP Chandra Arya warned that snakes in Canada’s backyard are “raising their heads and hissing”, in an apparent reference to the Khalistanis….reports Asian Lite News
Slamming the recent pro-Khalistan poster labelling Indian diplomats as ‘killers”, Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya warned on Wednesday that snakes in Canada’s backyard are “raising their heads and hissing”, in an apparent reference to the rising Khalistani menace in the country
“Khalistanis in Canada continue to reach new low in abusing our Charter of Rights and Freedom by promoting violence and hate,” Arya tweeted.
“While it is good to see Canadian authorities are noticing, we should note the snakes in our backyard are raising their heads and hissing. It is only a question of time when they bite to kill,” the MP, who originally hails from Karnataka, said.
The poster, announcing the Khalistan Freedom Rally on July 8, sparked outrage across India by calling India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma and Consul General in Toronto Apoorva Srivastava as “killers” of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
It came a month after Khalistanis, marking the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, put up a tableau of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with blood on her clothes and a poster that read, “Revenge of attack on Shri Darbar Sahib”.
“Emboldened by non-criticism from elected officials of a recent Brampton parade portraying and celebrating the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, they are now openly calling for violence against India diplomats,” Arya said.
After India raised the issue at the highest level in Canada, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warning that the ties will be hit, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly issued a statement on Tuesday saying the “promotional material” is “unacceptable”.
Joly said her country takes its “obligations under the Vienna Conventions regarding the safety of diplomats very seriously” and that the “actions of a few do not speak for an entire community or Canada”.
India also summoned the Canadian High Commissioner Cameron MacKay on Tuesday to discuss the issue.
Nijjar, 45, was gunned down outside a gurdwara in the parking area in Surrey.
He had links with the banned Sikhs For Justice, led by a US-based designated terrorist.
Similar pro-Khalistan posters have emerged in Australia, targeting the High Commissioner of India in Australia, Manpreet Vohra and the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, Sushil Kumar.
India on Monday raised concerns over threats to its diplomats in posters being circulated in Canada with information on a pro-Khalistan rally to be held on July 8….reports Asian Lite News
India has summoned Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi over propaganda material, including posters, containing threats to Indian diplomats being circulated in Canada and has served a demarche to the Justin Trudeau government.
According to sources, India on Monday raised concerns over threats to its diplomats in posters being circulated in Canada with information on a pro-Khalistan rally to be held on July 8. The posters contained threats to the Indian ambassador to Canada and the consulate general in Toronto. The posters purportedly circulated by Sikh extremists have named Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and the Consulate General of India, Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava accusing them of playing a role in the June killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
The rally is being held in the name of Harjit Singh Nijjar aka Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist who was killed in a targeted shooting in Canada’s Surrey on June 18.
Earlier today, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said that her country is in close contact with Indian officials in light of some “unacceptable” posters that have appeared in Canada, regarding a protest planned for July 8, which bears the names and photos of some top Indian diplomats.
In her statement shared on Twitter, Melanie Joly stated, “Canada takes its obligations under the Vienna Conventions regarding the safety of diplomats very seriously. Canada remains in close contact with Indian officials in light of some of the promotional material circulating online regarding a protest planned for July 8th, which are unacceptable. We know that the actions of a few do not speak for an entire community or Canada.”
On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Delhi, said that India has requested partner countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia not to give space to Khalistanis as these radical extremist ideologies are not good for their relationship.
When asked about reports of posters in Canada naming Indian diplomats, Jaishankar said, “We have requested our partner countries, like Canada, UK, Australia, US that they should not give space to these Khalistanis. These radical extremist ideologies aren’t good for us, them, or our ties. Will raise the issue of these posters.”
Earlier this month, a tableau parade was organised in Ontario celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi, which drew severe criticism from New Delhi.
In March this year, Khalistan supporters protested outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot.
Khalistan supporters in March, protested outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot. (ANI)
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly.(photo:wikipedia)
The poster features photos of India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma and Consul General in Toronto Apoorva Srivastava….reports Asian Lite News
Actions of a few do not speak for an entire community or Canada, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said after a poster with pictures and names of Indian diplomats portraying them as “killers” of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar emerged.
The poster, tweeted by a former Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) correspondent, is about a rally planned by Khalistani elements in Toronto on July 8, which will culminate at the Indian High Commission.
“We know that the actions of a few do not speak for an entire community, or Canada,” Foreign Minister Joly said in a statement released on Twitter on Tuesday.
The poster features photos of India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma and Consul General in Toronto Apoorva Srivastava.
The words “Faces of Shaheed Nijjar’s Killers in Toronto” appear above the photos.
“Canada takes its obligations under the Viennan Conventions regarding the safety of diplomats very seriously. Canada remains in close contact with Indian officials in light of some of the promotional material circulating online regarding a protest planned for July 8th, which are unacceptable,” Joly said in her tweet.
According to local media reports, the Indian High Commission is expected to demarche the Justin Trudeau government and ask the federal government to take action against.
On Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commented on the ongoing controversy, saying it will hit bilateral relations.
“We have requested our partner countries like Canada, the US, the UK and Australia not to give space to the Khalistanis. This will affect our relations. We will raise this poster issue with the governments of these countries,” Jaishankar said.
Khalistan
Last month, he had said that Canada was giving space to Khalistani elements seems to be driven by vote bank politics.
“For us, how Canada has dealt with the Khalistani issue has been a long standing concern. Because frankly they seem to be driven by vote bank politics,” Jaishankar had said.
Nijjar, 45, was shot dead in an inter-gang warfare last month in Sikh dominated Surrey town.
He had links with the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by a US-based designated terrorist.
The poster comes a month after Khalistanis, marking the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, put up a tableau of Indira Gandhi with blood on her clothes and a poster that read: “Revenge of attack on Shri Darbar Sahib”.
The students, along with other passengers, subsequently reached out to Air India ground staff…reports Asian Lite News
Around 20 to 25 students were left stranded at Canada’s Vancouver after the cancellation of Air India flight AI 186 to Delhi on July 2.
Describing their ordeal, the University of British Columbia (UBC) students mentioned that the flight was initially scheduled to depart from Vancouver airport at around 10.15 a.m. on July 2 but was rescheduled twice and eventually cancelled.
One of the students, speaking anonymously, stated, “On July 1, around 9 p.m., we received an email from Air India informing us of a five-hour delay, and the new departure time was set for 2.45 p.m. However, when we arrived at the airport, we discovered that the flight had been delayed for an additional hour.”
“We were waiting at the closed boarding gate at the new departure time of 3:45 p.m.
“But a fellow passenger informed us around 3:40 p.m that the flight had been cancelled, and there was no official announcement.”
The students, along with other passengers, subsequently reached out to Air India ground staff.
“They (ground staff) provided us with an email address and instructed us to send our expense receipts to the airport for reimbursement,” said another student.
“The ground staff also assured us that Air India would refund our ticket costs and other expenses. However, when we requested written confirmation, the staff refused, stating that they could only give oral assurances as there was no guarantee,” she said, adding that they don’t know if their ticket amount will be refunded or not.
The students claimed that they had sent an email requesting a refund for their tickets but had not received any response from Air India.
As a result of the flight cancellation, a group of 10 UBC students, who had already surrendered their rented accommodations, are now staying at a friend’s three-bedroom house.
“We each have three bags, and 10 of us are sharing this accommodation because we don’t have the funds to book another flight or rent another house,” the students explained.
Meanwhile, the Air India spokesperson said that the passengers are being offered other alternative arrangements and support until they are Delhi-bound again.
“Air India AI186 scheduled to operate Vancouver-Delhi on July 2 had been rescheduled earlier but now stands cancelled, as a technical issue was detected in the operating aircraft. While the aircraft undergoes the necessary checks and repairs, we have re-accommodated some of our guests on flights operated by other airlines,” said the spokesperson.
“The rest of the guests are being offered other alternative arrangements and support until they are Delhi-bound again. We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests, but as always, ensuring the safety of all is our top priority,” the spokesperson added.
