PIERRE Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on India Independence Day:

“The diversity of India’s culture and the richness of its history is truly endless. For millennia, its citizens have shared the joy of this heritage, bringing light and life to billions of people worldwide.

“Today, Canada joins with India as its friend and ally to celebrate their independence. While the history of India extends far back before the days of the British Empire, today, we honour its re-emergence on the world stage in 1947 as a free and independent nation. Together, we celebrate it as the world’s largest democracy and as one of Canada’s closest partners.

“Over the years, Canada and India have continued to grow alongside one another. Many Indians have immigrated to Canada, deepening our connection through the bonds of family and kinship. Together, we continue to explore new ways to bring home prosperity to our people through freer trade and economic collaboration. As home to well over one million Indians, our country has been amazingly blessed by the contributions of these inspiring people who have come here to live and work, bringing the richness of their culture with them.

“On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, Happy Independence Day to all Indians here in Canada and around the world. May the Maple Leaf and the Tiranga forever fly united in celebration of our freedom and our democracies.”