BC Conservative Leader John Rustad on Monday called for an immediate and thorough investigation into foreign interference following the RCMP’s announcement that agents from India are engaging in targeted criminal activity in British Columbia and across Canada. Rustad underscored that the safety of all Canadians, especially the Sikh community, must be protected from foreign state actions that threaten their security and right to freely express their political beliefs.
“The news of foreign agents operating in our country, particularly those from India, is alarming and must be addressed with the full force of the law,” said Rustad. “The Sikh community in British Columbia, like every other group, deserves to live in safety without fear of intimidation or harassment by foreign governments. This is a violation of Canada’s sovereignty and a threat to the rights and freedoms of every citizen.”
Rustad emphasized that the Sikh community in BC has been particularly vulnerable to these intimidation tactics, and it is critical that the government take swift and decisive action to protect them and other Canadians.
“No one, and especially the BC Sikh community, should have to look over their shoulder or worry about foreign interference in their daily lives simply for expressing political views or advocating for causes they care about. This must stop immediately,” Rustad stated.
Rustad is demanding a complete and transparent investigation into foreign interference, particularly the actions of Indian agents. He stressed that every Canadian, regardless of their political beliefs or cultural background, must be free from the threat of foreign governments operating in Canada to silence dissent or commit criminal acts.
“We cannot allow any foreign power, including India, to operate with impunity in Canada,” Rustad said. “This isn’t just about one community—it’s about protecting all Canadians from foreign intimidation and ensuring that our laws and values are upheld.”
Rustad urged the federal government to prioritize the safety of the Sikh community and other vulnerable groups who may be targeted by foreign interference. He also called for immediate measures to identify and address any additional threats posed by foreign actors.
“This is not just a political issue; it’s a matter of safety and justice,” Rustad said. “We need to ensure that the Sikh-Canadian community, and every Canadian, is protected from foreign intimidation and that foreign agents are swiftly held accountable for any criminal activity they engage in on our soil. No matter what religion you follow, you should be safe in British Columbia.”
Rustad reiterated his commitment to defending the rights of all Canadians and ensuring that British Columbia and the rest of the country remain free from foreign influence and intimidation.
“Canada must remain a place where people are free to express their beliefs without fear of foreign retaliation. We will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to undermine the safety and sovereignty of our citizens,” Rustad concluded.