On October 16, 2024, MP Maninder Sidhu, representing Brampton East, hosted a significant media roundtable with Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, at the Speranza Banquet Hall. The event, attended by South Asian media representatives, particularly from the Punjabi community, was an opportunity for the media to engage directly with government officials on key issues affecting Indo-Canada relations and local community concerns. MPs Ruby Sahota and Shafqat Ali were also present to contribute to the discussions.
During the roundtable, the Minister and MPs answered several pressing questions posed by journalists, particularly regarding diplomatic relations between Canada and India. When asked about the ongoing diplomatic tensions, Minister Champagne stated, “We are working to maintain and strengthen our ties with India while addressing the recent concerns. It is crucial to ensure the safety and security of Canadian citizens in India and Indian nationals in Canada.” He assured the media that despite challenges, the government is working to ensure that consular services remain accessible and effective.
Minister Champagne was also asked about Brampton’s role in Canada’s industrial landscape, to which he responded, “Brampton is becoming a major player in Canada’s space and industrial sectors. We are actively engaging with industry giants to bring more investments to this rapidly growing city.”
In response to a pointed question from a Punjabi journalist regarding the recent attack on a fellow journalist, Minister Champagne condemned the attack and addressed the broader concern of increasing fear among media personnel. He said, “Journalists are the voice of our democracy, and any attack on media is an attack on the very fabric of our society. We take these matters very seriously and are working to ensure that journalists, especially those from minority communities, are protected from threats and violence.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the safety of journalists and ensuring they can carry out their work without fear of retaliation.
MP Maninder Sidhu also acknowledged the growing concerns within the Punjabi community, particularly around extortion and threats. He said, “The safety of the Punjabi and Sikh communities is a top priority. We must ensure that everyone, including journalists, can live and work without fear. This includes addressing the threats and extortion attempts many face.”
MP Ruby Sahota added to the discussion, reiterating the importance of ensuring justice for all victims of violence. “Every criminal, no matter how powerful, should face the full extent of the law. If amendments to our laws are needed to ensure justice is served, I am committed to supporting such changes,” she said in response to concerns about community safety and media threats.
MP Shafqat Ali spoke on Brampton’s rapid growth and the role that new investments will play in shaping the future of the city. “Brampton is experiencing unprecedented growth, which is why industrialists are choosing to invest here. This growth not only benefits the local economy but also solidifies Brampton’s position as a critical player in Canada’s overall industrial development,” he noted in response to questions about the city’s economic prospects.
MP Maninder Sidhu concluded the roundtable by expressing his gratitude to the media for their participation. “Your involvement ensures that critical discussions like these reach the communities they impact. Together, we can address the challenges we face and work toward a brighter future,” he remarked.
The roundtable provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing the Minister and MPs to answer questions about critical issues affecting the Indo-Canadian community, Brampton’s economic future, and the safety of media personnel.