PREMIER John Horgan on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asking him to continue to encourage the Indian Government to seek a peaceful solution on the farmers’ legislation.

“I write to you to share the deep concerns of my caucus and their constituents. Thousands of British Columbians have family, friends and loved ones directly and indirectly affected by this issue,” said Horgan in the letter. “Many of them have generational ties to farming communities in Punjab and are increasingly worried for the safety of their loved ones.”

Horgan asked Trudeau to “continue, together with other international partners, to encourage the Indian government to seek a peaceful resolution to this issue through constructive and meaningful dialogue with the farmers.”

The letter:

Dear Prime Minister:

For the past several weeks, thousands of Indian farmers have been peacefully protesting the introduction of new agricultural legislation. Despite the fact the Government of India and representatives for the farmers have held multiple rounds of talks, protests and gatherings continue.

I write to you to share the deep concerns of my caucus and their constituents. Thousands of British Columbians have family, friends and loved ones directly and indirectly affected by this issue. Many of them have multi-generational ties to farming communities in Punjab and are increasingly worried for the safety of their loved ones. It has been extremely stressful for them to witness the reaction to the farmers’ peaceful protests over the past two months. Our constituents have been showing their support for Indian farmers at demonstrations in Vancouver, Surrey, and at rallies at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria. I understand their anguish and wish to convey their concerns to you.

I appreciate your ongoing engagement on this issue through your statements supporting the right of people around the world to engage in peaceful protest. Your support for this fundamental human right reflects the values and freedoms that all Canadians share. I am writing [to] ask you to continue, together with other international partners, to encourage the Indian government to seek a peaceful resolution to this issue through constructive and meaningful dialogue with the farmers.

Sincerely,

John Horgan