“We have an incredibly diverse country, and freedom of expression is something we value, but we will always stand against violence in all its forms,” Trudeau stated earlier this week when questioned about India’s concerns regarding the posters and the float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi in Brampton last month.

Controversy and investigation surround Sidhu Moose Wala mural in Toronto 

A mural depicting the late Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in Toronto has ignited controversy, leading the City of Toronto to initiate an investigation. The mural, located on the wall of a bakery in south Etobicoke, portrays Sidhu seated at a table, holding a gun. The artwork also features rappers Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, both of whom like Sidhu were shot dead. Additionally, Al Pacino as Tony Montana from the movie “Scarface” and Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone from “The Godfather” are depicted alongside Sidhu. However, it is the portrayal of Sidhu with a firearm that has drawn criticism, with many arguing that it promotes gun violence.

The Municipal Licensing & Standards Department of the City of Toronto has received complaints regarding the mural and is actively investigating the matter.

According to Statistics Canada, Canada has seen an unprecedented increase of 1.2 million people in the first half of 2023, with immigration accounting for 98% of this growth. (Image: Twitter)

The artist, David Ji, stated in interviews with local media that he was commissioned by the Punjabi owner of the bakery to create a mural of Sidhu. In response to the controversy, the bakery owner has expressed the intention to remove the depiction of the gun from the artwork.

Canada experiences population growth amidst affordability and job challenges

According to Statistics Canada, Canada has seen an unprecedented increase of 1.2 million people in the first half of 2023, with immigration accounting for 98% of this growth. While many advanced countries are grappling with slowing population growth or even decline, Canada’s population continues to surge, recently surpassing the 40 million mark. Prime Minister Trudeau even celebrated this milestone on Canada Day, July 1.

“We come from diverse backgrounds, but together we are a nation of 40 million strong – and there is no challenge we cannot overcome when we stand together. So today, let’s celebrate one another and continue building this great country,” he remarked.

The federal government has set ambitious immigration targets, highlighting the need for a larger working-age population to sustain or expand the country’s tax base as its population ages. However, the government is facing criticism as opponents point to issues of affordability, a lack of well-paying jobs, and a decline in overall living standards.

(Daksh Panwar is an Ontario-based journalist and broadcaster. Twitter: @Daksh280)