CONSERVATIVE Leader Pierre Poilievre on Wednesday told the Punjabi Press Club of B.C. in Surrey that if someone believes in the Khalistani cause, they have the freedom to express themselves, but it should be done peacefully.

Poilievre, who’s also the Leader of the Opposition, said in reply to a question: “Personally, I believe in a united India like I believe in a united Canada. But I believe people also have the freedom to disagree.

“So, if you believe in the Khalistani cause, you have the freedom to express yourself just like Quebec separatists have the freedom to express themselves in Canada. We’ve even let them have seats in the House of Commons.”

Poilievre added: “I want Canada to be the freest country on earth. You can express any opinion, even opinions I don’t agree with, and those opinions have to be expressed peacefully, but they can be freely expressed.

“So, that’s the approach I will take: freedom for everyone.”