[Politics] Poilievre accuses Trudeau of sowing 'divisions' that led to Brampton's violent temple clash

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In a testy exchange in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing the "divisions" that led to the violent clash between Sikh separatists and Hindu worshippers outside a Hindu temple in Brampton on the weekend.

The question period exchange kicked off with Trudeau calling Poilievre's silence on the violence in South Asian communities "deafening."

Poilievre accused Trudeau of using the issue to distract from domestic economic issues.

"So he uses divisions here at home. These divisions are the result of him," Poilievre said.

"Now we see sectarian riots on the streets of Brampton. This never happened before this prime minister. Does he take ownership for the divisions he's caused and the violence that has resulted?"

Repeating a line he's used often in question period recently, Trudeau called on Poilievre go through the security clearance process so he can be briefed by Canada's intelligence and security agencies about threats to Canada.

The leaders' comments add to an already tense police situation that threatens to worsen the already deteriorating diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.

On Monday, police broke up a second day of protests outside a Brampton, Ont., Hindu temple where violent clashes have led to arrests and triggered a public safety alert.

The violence broke out midday Sunday at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton, as Indian consular officials were visiting.

 

Poilievre accuses Trudeau of sowing 'divisions' that led to Brampton's violent temple clash | CBC News