Former Canadian soldier David Lavery 'safe' in Qatar, says foreign affairs minister
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Canadian Armed Forces veteran David Lavery is "safe" in Qatar — months after a network that supports vets expressed concern that Lavery went missing in Afghanistan and was possibly detained by the Taliban government.
In a social media post, Joly said she "just spoke with David Lavery upon his safe arrival in Qatar from Afghanistan. He is in good spirits."
Joly also thanked Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, for "helping facilitate the release of our Canadian citizen."
In November, the Veterans Transition Network said they were "deeply concerned about the well-being of David Lavery, known to all those he helped as 'Canadian Dave.'"
The network's statement said Lavery disappeared from the Kabul airport on Nov. 11, 2024.
Since before the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, Lavery had been working to provide aid and assistance to eligible Afghan migrants. The Veterans Transition Network noted in November that Lavery repeatedly travelled to Afghanistan for humanitarian work, and to lay wreaths at the Canadian monument in Kabul on Remembrance Day.
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Canada Standard
an hour ago
- Canada Standard
G7 Summit marks turning point in India-Canada relations, says former minister Ujjal Dosanjh
Vancouver [Canada], June 12 (ANI): As India cements its place as the world's fourth-largest economy, the global balance of power is shifting -- and Canada must take note, says Ujjal Dosanjh, former Canadian Minister of Health, senior lawyer, and vocal advocate against extremism. Speaking in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the G7 summit, Dosanjh says this moment offers a much-needed opportunity to reset strained India-Canada relations, particularly due to long-standing tensions over Khalistan-linked extremism. 'India, even before it became the fourth-largest economy, was being recognised by leaders like Carney as indispensable on the global stage,' Dosanjh remarked, referring to Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed office earlier this year. 'Now that India has moved up in global rankings, it only strengthens the case for deeper cooperation.' Dosanjh pointed out that G7 leaders are well aware of India's growing influence and are likely advising Canada not to let political disagreements override strategic and economic interests. 'Leaders know that even when they have issues with a country, they can't ignore its importance. They find ways to engage constructively -- and that's the approach Carney seems to be taking,' he said. Prime Minister Carney's invitation to Prime Minister Modi drew protests from several Sikh separatist groups in Canada. But Dosanjh, a long-time critic of extremism, questioned the seriousness with which these groups should be taken, especially given their historical role in damaging Canada's global reputation. 'These elements did massive damage to Canada's image when they bombed Air India Flight 182 in 1985,' Dosanjh said, referencing the worst act of aviation terror before 9/11. 'That wasn't India's wound -- it was Canada's wound. Those were Canadian citizens who died.' He also recalled the role of Khalistani militant Talwinder Singh Parmar, believed to be the mastermind of the Air India bombing. 'Parmar had earlier killed police officers in India and fled here. Indira Gandhi sought his extradition, but Canada didn't act, partly because there was no extradition treaty at the time. That failure had grave consequences.' Dosanjh emphasised that Canada has allowed such extremist elements to penetrate mainstream politics. 'Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper rightly said we shouldn't tolerate separatists in our political parties -- especially those seeking to break up allied democracies. I've always believed that, and I suspect Carney privately does too,' he added. India has sought the extradition of 26 fugitives, including several Khalistani extremists. On this issue, Dosanjh confirmed that there are signs of cooperation, although progress remains slow. 'I spoke with Mr. Verma, India's former High Commissioner to Canada, and he said publicly -- and to me privately -- that Canada has started moving on some of those cases,' he revealed. 'There is an extradition treaty in place. It now depends on the quality of the evidence provided, and on Canada's willingness to act on it.' With both countries being democracies and promoting strategic autonomy in foreign policy, Dosanjh sees a natural alignment between India and Canada, especially on trade and global issues. 'Canada exports a lot of lentils and grains to India. I know someone personally in that business who's been suffering because of the diplomatic chill -- no trains are moving from his location,' he said. 'It's critical for both countries to stabilise relations not just for trade, but also to collaborate on global challenges as democratic allies.' Dosanjh believes PM Modi's visit to the G7, hosted by Canada this year, is a promising step toward restoring ties. 'Mr. Carney signalled his intent to reset the relationship during his campaign. Inviting Modi to the G7 is the first concrete step in that direction,' he said. While tensions remain, especially around the killing of separatist figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Dosanjh believes these should not prevent broader cooperation. 'Countries always have disputes. But responsible governments work on multiple tracks: you can address law enforcement matters on one track and continue dialogue on trade, people-to-people ties, and international cooperation on other tracks.' On the recent attack on journalist Mocha Bezirgan in Vancouver -- where Khalistani supporters allegedly surrounded, threatened, and snatched his phone -- Dosanjh didn't mince words. 'Khalistanis have never shied away from violence. Air India was just the most dramatic example,' he said. 'Unless there are serious prosecutions, these incidents will continue. Canada has been slow to prosecute Khalistani violence, and that delay is hurting our society.' He stressed that the problem is not just about India's security. 'It's in Canada's own interest to control this menace, for the peace and safety of Canadians. We must protect journalists, uphold free speech, and prosecute threats without fear or political calculations.' The extradition of Pakistani national Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack in New York, has raised further concerns about radicalisation in Canada. Dosanjh believes these fears are well-founded. 'Nearly 100 Canadians went to fight alongside ISIS. Some returned and were prosecuted, some are in jail. Canada is aware of the threat, but our responses are often too slow and reactive,' he said. 'The same lethargy we showed after Air India shouldn't be repeated with new threats whether from Islamist extremists or Khalistani groups.' Dosanjh also pointed to Pakistan's long-standing role in fuelling the Khalistan movement -- a connection made more visible during recent protests in Vancouver where Pakistani flags were seen alongside Khalistani banners. 'This isn't new. In the 1970s, Jagjit Singh Chohan declared Khalistan in a U.S. newspaper after returning from Pakistan. That declaration was funded by Pakistani money, funnelled in part by the CIA. I met Chohan in Canada back then,' he recalled. He warned that the ISI's hand remains visible today. 'Figures like Pannun are believed to be working with Pakistani handlers in the U.S. Indian officials know this. Many Canadian politicians, either gullible or ignorant, still look the other way. But now, with the Pakistani flag appearing openly in these rallies, the truth is harder to deny.' Despite all the tensions and painful history, Dosanjh remains hopeful. 'This G7 summit, hosted by Canada, is a turning point. Prime Minister Carney has taken the first step by inviting Modi. Now it's time for sustained engagement, honest dialogue, and zero tolerance for those who threaten democracy in any form.' He concludes with a clear message: 'Canada and India are both democracies. They may have their differences, but the shared values and the global stakes are too high to let those differences define the relationship.' (ANI)
National Post
2 hours ago
- National Post
One Canadian aboard Air India flight that crashed just after takeoff
One Canadian was on board an Air India flight bound for London that crashed with more than 240 people on board shortly after takeoff in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Article content Local police say there are no known survivors. Article content In a social media post, Carney says he's 'devastated' to learn about the crash. Article content Article content He says Canadian transportation officials are in close contact with their counterparts, and he is receiving regular updates on the situation. Article content Article content The flight crashed in a residential area five minutes after takeoff at 1:38 p.m. local time. Article content Indian television news channels reported that the plane crashed on top of the dining area of a medical college hostel and visuals showed a portion of the aircraft atop the building. It was unclear if any medical students were present inside the building at the time of the crash. Article content
National Observer
2 hours ago
- National Observer
Protests at G7 summit in Alberta expected to be largely peaceful, targeting Trump policies
Protests during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alta., may be starkly different than demonstrations happening this week against immigration crackdowns in the United States. A University of Toronto research group that has been monitoring the meetings of world leaders since 1998 says its analysis shows Canadian protests are more peaceful and smaller. But similar to the recent demonstrations in Los Angeles, they're likely to be against the policies of US President Donald Trump. "The Los Angeles protests will add another (issue) the protesters going there already care about, but it won't do anything much more than that," said John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group. "I don't think it'll bring more protesters, too. Nor will the L.A. protests delay Trump from coming here." Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting Trump and world leaders from France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and the European Union for the three-day summit starting Sunday in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Calgary. Leaders of several non-member countries, including India, Ukraine and Mexico, are also set to attend. The summit comes as protests in the United States continue against Trump's immigration raids, particularly his government's detainment of migrants. Hundreds of marines have joined about 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The protests have seen clashes with police, burned cars, rubber bullets shot at journalists and arrests. In Alberta, Kirton said protests during the G7 are not expected to be the same. "(The G7's) distinctive mission from the very beginning was to promote within its own members the values of open democracy," he said. "In democracies, people are supposed to protest. It's an integral part." It's unlikely Canada's government would respond to any clashes like Trump, by calling in the military, Kirton added. The remote Kananaskis location will be closed off to the public. Visuals and audio of protesters at three demonstration zones designated by the RCMP — two in downtown Calgary and one in Banff — are to be shown to the leaders and other delegates at the summit on TV screens. Another zone at the Calgary airport won't be broadcast. Kirton said the distance between officials and protesters ensures the summit unfolds peacefully. "Trump has been subjected to two assassination attempts, and one almost killed him. So you can see why (RCMP) have to be hypervigilant," Kirton said. The Calgary Raging Grannies group plans to be at the protest zone at Calgary City Hall on Sunday afternoon. Mary Oxendale-Spensley, 74, said the grandmothers will be far from raging and clashing with police when they call out Trump's tariffs and his pitch to annex Canada. "We do intend to sing," said the retired teacher. One of their songs in the lineup: "U.S.A., you have got a problem." The song calls the US president an "orange blob" because of his tan, says he's "way out of line," and declares "our sovereign nation will never be yours," said Oxendale-Spensley. Ensuring Trump hears their message is vital, she said, even if it's on a screen. "I'm a Canadian. I was Canadian when I was born. I intend to be a Canadian when I die." It's hard to say how many grannies will be at the protest, she added. "My big complaint about the grannies always is that we're grannies. People get sick, people break their ankle, that kind of thing." Protests at the last G7 summit in Kananaskis in 2002 were peaceful, Kirton said, as demonstrators were also given designated zones. "I do remember most vividly it was very hot," Kirton said, and there were not many protesters. "There were so few of them and it was so peaceful that we didn't even bother to estimate a number." Aside from protests against Trump, some are expected to address other issues — like calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's war in Ukraine, Kirton said. Kirton said he also anticipates a presence from Canadians who want Alberta to separate from Canada, as well as those opposed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions have been high between Canada and India since 2023, when former prime minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons that agents of the Indian government were linked to the killing of a Canadian activist for Sikh separatism outside a gurdwara in Surrey, BC. The World Sikh Organization of Canada said inviting Modi to the G7 is unacceptable. The International League of Peoples' Struggles, an international alliance of grassroots organizations, is expecting about 200 people for a protest also at Calgary City Hall. Yasmeen Khan, vice-chair of the group's North America chapter, said protesters want to raise awareness about various issues, including Indigenous struggles, housing and climate change. "We'll have banners. We'll be chanting," she said. " We will also have some cultural performances from some Indigenous artists and migrant youth." Mounties said first responders are prepared for protests. "While the number of participants may vary, we have strong situational awareness of anticipated demonstrations and are well positioned to respond accordingly," said RCMP spokesman Fraser Logan.
