Canada Border Agency Responds to Officer’s Harassment Allegations

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting staff from threats and harassment linked to their official duties. This statement follows a lawsuit filed by CBSA officer Sandeep Singh Sidhu, who alleges that he was targeted by the Indian government in a disinformation campaign. The case highlights tensions between Canada and India, particularly in light of allegations involving terrorism and diplomatic disputes.

In his lawsuit, filed in Ottawa on December 2, 2023, Sidhu claims the Indian government falsely labeled him a terrorist in retaliation for Canada’s accusations regarding the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following Canada’s assertion that India was involved in this assassination, Indian media reported that Sidhu was wanted for a terrorist attack in 2020, suggesting his employment with the CBSA contradicted Canada’s criticism of India’s actions.

Sidhu, who has served as a border officer for two decades, contends he has no ties to terrorism. He believes he was targeted due to his common Sikh name and his visible role in Canada’s national security. Following the allegations, he reported receiving threats from supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including an alarming social media post that identified his home address in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and included a call for violence against him.

When Sidhu reached out to the CBSA for assistance, he claims that his superiors dismissed his concerns, stating that the threats were not work-related. This response has drawn criticism from his legal representative, Jeffrey Kroeker, who argues that the CBSA recognized the risks associated with Sidhu’s uniformed position. Kroeker emphasized that the misinformation campaign was directly linked to Sidhu’s role as a CBSA officer and called for greater accountability from the agency.

In a statement regarding the lawsuit, the CBSA acknowledged receipt of the documents but refrained from providing detailed comments due to ongoing legal proceedings. The agency reiterated its commitment to supporting employees facing harassment or threats, emphasizing that such protections apply when incidents occur at work or as a direct result of their duties.

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has not responded to requests for comment, and Indian media outlets contacted by Global News have also remained silent on the matter. While the Canadian government has cleared Sidhu of the allegations made by India, he continues to deal with the fallout from what his lawyers describe as a coordinated misinformation attack.

India has long accused Canada of harboring terrorists, particularly those advocating for an independent Khalistan, a region in Punjab. Although the Canadian Security Intelligence Service has stated that only a small number of individuals within this movement are extremists, India continues to portray the situation as a significant threat that warrants action.

Tensions escalated following the killing of Nijjar, which saw Canada expelling diplomats suspected of involvement in various violent incidents. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has taken office since these events, is reportedly seeking to mend relations with India, aiming to negotiate a trade agreement amidst ongoing tariff issues affecting Canadian exports to the United States.

As this situation develops, the implications for both the CBSA and Canada’s international relations remain significant. For Sidhu, the impact of the allegations and the agency’s response will likely resonate for some time, as he navigates the complexities of his role within the national security framework amidst rising geopolitical tensions.