Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backs farmers again

Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeated his support for the right of farmers in India to hold peaceful protests hours after the Central government summoned the country's High Commissioner on Friday to express its displeasure at his original remarks. "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests anywhere around the world. And we are pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue," he told reporters in Ottawa to a question about India's warning that he could damage ties between the two countries. 

When pressed further about whether he was worried about the consequences, Mr Trudeau coolly reiterated the first line of his statement. India had summoned Canada's ambassador on Friday and warned of serious damage to diplomatic ties after Prime Minister Trudeau commented on growing protests by farmers.

Protest rallies in Canada

Amid warnings by India that remarks of the Canadian leadership on farmer protests would lead to increasing anti-India rallies in Canada, posters have come up of events, rallies and marches over the next week.

There are posters and messages that are doing the round online which read - "Ottawa Kisaan Rally 2020" to be held on December 5. "It is your time to stand united and show your support", reads one message.

Another rally being organised on December 5 is "Hamilton Kisaan Rally", a car rally that would culminate at Eastgate Square Shopping Mall followed by a peaceful protest on the intersection of Centennial and Queenston.

Another message reads, "Kissan Dharna Car Rally" in support of "Punjabi farmers marching in Delhi in protest of recent agriculture bills that threaten their livelihoods and their lives". This rally will end outside the Indian consulate.