‘If bellies are full, no one will hold a gun’

Representing one of the most ethnically diverse constituencies in Canada, Scarborough-Agincourt, Jim Karygiannis, MP, is known as a friend of India. Karygiannis, a Greek immigrant, was in India recently and spoke to Amitabh Shukla on various issues concerning multi-ethnicity and Canada’s approach towards immigrants in the wake of 9/11.

What is unique about the multi-culturalism of Canada which other countries can imbibe?

Canada is a country of self-made people and the four pillars of the society are the natives, French and English immigrants and the new immigrants. The last include the immigrants from India who now number around one million, some of them leaders in various fields. We celebrate our diversity and culture and the federal government too promotes diversity and multi-culturalism. They are equal partners in all spheres and all efforts are made to promote and celebrate their diversity. Our concept of race is Respect, Accept, Celebrate and Embrace.

Did the policy of Canada towards immigrants change after 9/11?

Not at all. There was no change in policy towards people with Arab and Muslim surnames. The immigration policy of encouraging people to migrate to Canada didn’t change after 9/11. All of them are equal in the country. However, we are vigilant and are not supportive of terrorism of any hue.

What is the public and political opinion in Canada on the build-up to the Iraq war?

Well, 60 per cent of Canadians do not support any war without the sanction of the United Nations. The UN inspectors should be given more time to disarm Iraq. America says that it will go alone against Iraq. However, it will be tragic and in that case, the UN would fare like the League of Nations. We would play an active role for peace if war breaks out.

What are the areas of cooperation between India and Canada?

Exchange in the field of IT is important at this juncture. The trade between the two countries has doubled in the last five years. The South Asian Chamber of Commerce has been formed and efforts are on for further increase in trade.

How can the South Asian diaspora play a role in increased cooperation between the hostile countries of their origin?

The South Asian diaspora can make a difference. To help the business diaspora, trilateral trade between India, Pakistan and Canada is on. On the dispute of Kashmir, if trade is developed in the area and the bellies are full, no one will hold a gun. We are in the process of setting up a think-tank in Canada comprising the diaspora from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for increased cooperation and lasting peace between these countries. The youth can act as ambassadors of goodwill and exchange of ideas can do tremendous good to the South Asian countries.

(March 14, 2003) Hindustan Times edit Page