File Photo of Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canada's new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has wished the Indian diaspora in the country a happy Diwali describing it as a global festival that highlights the country's shared values of respect, inclusion and commitment to freedom.
"Today, I join Canada's Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities in recognising the occasion of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas," Trudeau said.
Trudeau was addressing a large numbers of Indo-Canadians at a Hindu Temple in Ottawa yesterday.
Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Vishnu Prakash and Chandra Kant Arya, Canadian Member of Parliament welcomed the Prime Minister and addressed the gathering.
"Tonight, families and friends take this occasion to reflect on the triumph of good over evil. Known as the festival of lights to many, Diwali is also a celebration of the power of higher knowledge and light to dispel ignorance," Trudeau said.
"This holiday, which stands as an example of Canadian diversity, gives us the occasion to reflect on the important contributions of all our citizens, the Prime Minister said.
"Diwali highlights our shared values of respect and inclusion, and our commitment to freedom and equality. It is a reminder that Canada is a nation made stronger not in spite of our differences, but because of them," he said.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish a very happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas to all those observing these holidays with their family and loved ones," he added.
Later, Trudeau also visited a Gurudwara in Ottawa and lauded the Indo-Canadian community particularly the Sikh community for their outstanding and incredible contributions to the country.
Official sources said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Canadian Prime Minister to visit India when he congratulated him over phone on October 21 after Trudeau's victory in the general election.
Trudeau has included four Indo-Canadians in his cabinet. He has also accepted the invitation of Modi and details for his visit to India are being worked out, sources said.