Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces increasing criticism after reports revealed that his government allegedly leaked sensitive intelligence on India to The Washington Post. This information leak, allegedly conducted by Trudeau’s close aide and National Security Adviser Nathalie Drouin, aimed to support Trudeau’s explosive accusations in Canada’s parliament about Indian involvement in North American criminal activities, including extortions and assassinations.
With the scandal mounting, Trudeau has reportedly been given an ultimatum by members of his party to step down by October 28 if he fails to address the crisis.
What Was the Leaked Intelligence?
According to The Globe and Mail, Drouin provided sensitive information about India’s alleged involvement in violent criminal activities on Canadian soil to the U.S. publication days before Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) publicly implicated India in several crimes. This included a claim that Indian agents were linked to a series of homicides, extortions, and other criminal acts targeting pro-Khalistan sympathizers in Canada.
The leaked intel allegedly centered around the killing of pro-Khalistan militant Sukhdool Singh Gill in Winnipeg on September 20, 2023, a few months after another pro-Khalistan figure, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot in Surrey, British Columbia. Canada’s security agencies have alleged Indian involvement in both cases, though India has consistently denied these claims.
Contradictions in Trudeau’s Stance
Trudeau’s handling of the leaks has raised questions over his consistency. Just last week, Trudeau appeared before a parliamentary inquiry, stating that he lacked concrete evidence to accuse India of direct involvement in the alleged crimes. Yet, his government’s selective leak to an American newspaper seems to contrast his stance on other leaks, specifically those on Chinese interference in Canada’s elections.
This inconsistency has led to criticism from various political circles, further intensifying calls for clarity and transparency from his administration.
Suspicion Surrounding the Timing
The timing of this leak has also drawn attention. According to The Globe and Mail, the Trudeau administration initially intended for this intel to remain confidential until around Thanksgiving (November 23) of last year, but the U.S. publication chose to publish the information earlier. Nearly a year after the leak, the relationship between India and Canada has severely deteriorated, with both countries expelling each other’s high commissioners and putting bilateral relations under extreme strain.
Unsubstantiated Claims from Canadian Police
On October 14, Canadian police made headlines by declaring they had evidence linking Indian officials to criminal activities within Canada, although no concrete details were released to the public. They cited the need to protect open investigations and judicial processes as reasons for withholding specifics, leaving many Canadians questioning the depth of the evidence backing these serious allegations.
Silence on Chinese Interference
Interestingly, while Trudeau has been vocal about India’s alleged interference, he has shown reluctance to address similar accusations against China. Previously, The Globe and Mail published stories on China’s alleged interference in Canadian elections, which Trudeau criticized, labeling such reports as leaks that should not be disclosed. This double standard has fueled the perception that Trudeau’s response to international interference allegations is selective, depending on the political landscape and personal alliances.
Canada’s Worsening Relations with India
In the wake of these accusations, India has denied all charges, calling Trudeau’s statements “preposterous” and accusing him of using these claims to deflect from his political issues. As Trudeau grapples with mounting pressure from his party, opposition, and public opinion, he faces a growing demand to clarify the handling of his government’s international intelligence. The latest revelations have only deepened the rift between Canada and India, a relationship now at its lowest point in decades.
With calls for Trudeau’s resignation growing louder, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his political future and, more broadly, Canada’s stance on international intelligence leaks.
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