A recent report has stirred controversy around Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, alleging that he ordered the Canadian military to prioritize rescuing Afghan Sikhs following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021. This directive has sparked demands for parliamentary hearings from political leaders concerned about its implications.

According to The Globe and Mail, Sajjan, a close ally of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, instructed Canadian special forces to conduct a rescue operation for approximately 225 Afghan Sikhs. This decision reportedly diverted resources away from evacuating Canadian citizens and Afghans associated with Canada from Kabul.

Sajjan defended his actions, citing a government policy to evacuate vulnerable Afghans, including Canadians and military interpreters, as well as religious minorities like Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. He emphasized that the military operates under civilian command and executes government policies.

Critics, including former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole, questioned why Afghan Sikhs were prioritized over Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and Afghans who had assisted Canada during its mission in Afghanistan. O'Toole called for parliamentary inquiries into the matter, arguing that the government's priorities during the evacuation seemed influenced by other considerations.

The Bloc Québécois also expressed concerns, indicating their intention to propose hearings to scrutinize Sajjan's decisions during the Afghan evacuation. Meanwhile, David Lavery, a former Canadian special forces soldier, criticized Sajjan's directive, suggesting it hindered efforts to evacuate other priority groups, including military translators and support personnel.

The controversy surrounding Sajjan's actions underscores ongoing debates over Canada's evacuation policies and priorities during crises abroad.

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