Is Canada the New Pakistan? Terrorism, Separatism, and Organised Crime

India-Canada Relations Mirror India-Pakistan Hostility

As India withdraws its High Commissioner along with some diplomats and expels six Canadian diplomats, the relationship between the two countries now mirrors the strained hostility of India-Pakistan ties. Canada’s image as a multicultural democracy is increasingly overshadowed by its growing reputation as a haven for terrorists, separatists, radical preachers and organised criminal networks.

The recent diplomatic fallout—sparked by mutual expulsions of diplomats—has intensified scrutiny of Canada’s leniency toward criminality and separatist activities. The presence of destabilising elements, including mafia syndicates, Indo-Canadian gangs, and separatist factions, highlights deeper issues embedded within Canada’s historical, political, and criminal landscape. Under Justin Trudeau’s leadership, the country’s failure to address these threats has transformed it into a nexus of lawlessness and diplomatic tension.

Diplomatic Standoff with India: Past and Present

In the midst of this deteriorating relationship, Canada has reiterated accusations of Indian diplomats' involvement in alleged “criminal activities,” further straining bilateral ties. India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats and recalling its High Commissioner from Ottawa, marking a major escalation in the standoff.

Earlier, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government claimed that Indian diplomats were engaged in covert operations on Canadian soil, either directly or through intermediaries under coercion. India, however, dismissed these allegations as baseless and countered by accusing Canada of failing to protect Indian diplomats from extremist elements operating freely within the country.

The tensions reflect a growing rift, with India accusing the Canadian government of harboring separatists and criminals of Indian origin, undermining bilateral cooperation. In October 2024, India’s expulsion of Canadian diplomats was part of a broader protest against what it described as Canada’s “failure to act responsibly.” India also raised concerns over the safety of its diplomatic staff, criticising Canada’s inability—or unwillingness—to rein in extremist elements that threaten regional stability.

A Historical Parallel: The Kanishka Bombing

The 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, also known as the Kanishka bombing, remains the deadliest terrorist attack linked to Canada. Sikh extremists based in British Columbia orchestrated the attack, killing 329 people, most of them Canadian citizens of Indian descent. The bombing exposed Canada’s reluctance to act against extremists operating on its soil, despite prior intelligence warnings from Indian authorities. Decades later, the attack stands as a grim reminder of Canada’s long-standing struggle to combat terrorism and extremist ideologies, exacerbating its diplomatic troubles with India.

Organized Crime and Gangs in Canada

Beyond separatist movements, Canada also struggles with deeply rooted organized crime syndicates, whose influence extends from local turf wars to transnational operations.

1. Hells Angels and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

The Hells Angels are a dominant force in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, controlling large portions of the drug trade. Figures like Larry Amero, associated with the Wolfpack Alliance—a coalition that includes the Red Scorpions and Independent Soldiers—have been linked to violent conflicts, extortion, and organized crime.

2. Mafia Networks in Ontario and Quebec

Ontario and Quebec house entrenched mafia networks, such as the Rizzuto crime family and the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta. These groups engage heavily in drug trafficking, money laundering, and bribery, often in collaboration with U.S. and European crime syndicates, further complicating law enforcement efforts across borders.

3. Indo-Canadian Gangs and Separatist Connections

The British Columbia region has also witnessed the rise of Indo-Canadian gangs, many of which have strong links to political and criminal networks in Punjab. Groups like the Dhak-Duhre gang and the Brothers Keepers dominate drug trafficking networks, contributing to violent turf wars. Infamous figures such as Gurmit Singh Dhak and Sukh Dhak. According to some reports, their gang was involved in the notorious Surrey Six murders, which resulted in six fatalities, including innocent bystanders.

India has raised concerns that some of these Indo-Canadian gangs have connections to the Khalistani separatist movement. Several individuals accused of violent activities or promoting separatism have found refuge in Canada, complicating diplomatic ties. This intersection of organized crime and political extremism continues to strain India-Canada relations, with New Delhi viewing Ottawa’s inaction as a deliberate shielding of hostile elements.

A Brewing Crisis with Global Implications

The current diplomatic standoff between India and Canada reveals deeper systemic issues within Canada’s borders, where separatism, organized crime, and extremist ideologies intersect. Much like Pakistan has been criticized for harboring terrorists, Canada now faces similar allegations—challenging its image as a peaceful democracy. If left unchecked, the convergence of political extremism and criminal networks could further destabilize global security and erode Canada's international standing. As tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi escalate, the need for stricter law enforcement and diplomatic accountability becomes ever more urgent.

Disclaimer: This article draws from credible sources such as Criminal Intelligence Service Canada reports and recent diplomatic developments reported by Indian media outlets. Please write to us at editorial@tice.news in case of any factual misinformation.