By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | April 27, 2025

Over the Easter weekend in April 2025, a prominent Hindu temple in Surrey, British Columbia was defaced with hateful graffiti referencing "Khalistan," a term associated with a Sikh separatist movement. The vandalism, which is being investigated as a hate crime, shocked the community and drew swift condemnation from police, government officials, and local residents. This article details the incident and the responses to it, and then examines the broader implications such hate-motivated crimes might have on social cohesion and the business climate in Canada. In particular, it explores how such incidents could affect international business owners and immigrant entrepreneurs – a group that contributes significantly to Canada’s economy – and what economic and social consequences could arise if Canada’s reputation as a safe, inclusive society is undermined.

Incident Overview: Vandalism at a Surrey Hindu Temple

In the early hours of April 19, 2025, two unidentified individuals targeted the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. According to a temple statement, the perpetrators spray-painted the word "Khalistan" on the temple’s entrance sign and pillars​. The attack took place around 3 a.m. and was caught on security cameras – which the vandals stole during the act to conceal evidence​. Images shared by community media show slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad” (meaning "Long live Khalistan") emblazoned on the white temple walls, alongside obscene anti-India messages and threats to Indian leaders. Temple officials described the incident as a deliberate and hateful desecration of a sacred place of worship.

This was not an isolated event. Around the same time that morning, a Sikh gurdwara operated by the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver (Ross Street Gurdwara) was similarly vandalized with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti​. Slogans including “Khalistan Zindabad” were painted on the gurdwara’s walls, marking the first time in the gurdwara’s 115-year history that such hateful messages had defaced its premises​. One of the graffiti words was reported to mean “death to” a target, indicating the vandals intended a direct threat​. These coordinated vandalisms on both a Hindu temple and a Sikh temple within hours of each other suggest an effort by extremist elements to intimidate and divide communities.

Police and Government Response

Local law enforcement agencies responded by treating the incidents with utmost seriousness. Vancouver Police, investigating the gurdwara vandalism, called it “a deplorable act of vandalism” that is being treated as a potential hate crime​. The case has been taken up by the Major Crimes Section, and officers collected security video showing suspects arriving around 4:15 a.m. to spray-paint the gurdwara’s walls​. In Surrey, the Surrey Police Service (with support from the RCMP) is leading the investigation into the temple attack, likewise treating it as a hate-motivated crime. Video footage of the two suspects at the temple has been obtained, and police have stepped up patrols around the affected sites to reassure the community. As an immediate protective measure, Vancouver police even stationed officers at the Ross Street Gurdwara following the incident.

Government officials at various levels condemned the vandalism and pledged support to the affected communities. The management of the Surrey temple filed an official report and urged authorities to act; they confirmed an FIR (First Information Report) was registered with Surrey police, with full cooperation from temple authorities in the investigation​. Politically, leaders spoke out swiftly. Chandra Arya, an Indo-Canadian Member of Parliament, described the graffiti attack as yet another “chilling reminder of the growing influence of Khalistani extremism” in Canada​. He urged decisive action from law enforcement and called on both Hindu and Sikh communities to “rise with urgency” and demand immediate action from all levels of government, saying “silence is no longer an option”​. Arya’s statement reflects a concern that such extremist incidents have been rising and must be confronted proactively.

The Prime Minister of Canada and other federal leaders have also reiterated that hate has no place in Canada. While speaking in a broader context, Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that “when hate occurs in any part of our country, it is an attack on the values of kindness, compassion, and diversity”, and affirmed the government’s commitment to make communities safer by tackling hate-motivated crimes​. Canada’s newly launched Action Plan on Combating Hate stresses that “a safer Canada is a more prosperous Canada,” underscoring the linkage between public safety and the nation’s well-being​. In this case, treating the temple vandalism as a hate crime sends a clear signal that such acts will be investigated and prosecuted with priority. Surrey’s Mayor and British Columbia’s provincial officials also reportedly reached out to community leaders, condemning the attack and promising support (as indicated by local news reports and community statements).

Internationally, the incident drew attention from the Indian government, given that the targets were symbols of the Indian diaspora’s religious life. India’s Ministry of External Affairs publicly “strongly condemned the vandalism” and expressed that India remains “deeply concerned” about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada​. New Delhi has urged Canadian authorities to ensure such incidents are prevented and that perpetrators are brought to justice, especially after a string of similar temple defacements in recent years. This diplomatic dimension adds pressure on Canadian officials to resolve the case and address the root causes of such hate incidents to avoid straining Indo-Canadian relations.

Community Reactions and Official Statements

The attacks on the Surrey mandir and Vancouver gurdwara have galvanized community members across religious lines. Hindu and Sikh community leaders alike expressed shock, anger, and solidarity in the wake of the vandalism. Temple officials at the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir issued a heartfelt statement condemning the incident. “We strongly condemn this hateful act of vandalism and theft, which is not only a crime but a direct attack on a sacred space that serves as a spiritual and cultural centre for many families, including elderly members and children,” the temple’s statement read​. It urged the public and leaders at all levels of government to join in denouncing this hate crime, declaring that “attacks on places of worship have no place in a respectful and diverse society of Canada.”​. The temple’s president and devotees conveyed their deep sorrow over the desecration of a place meant for peace and prayer, and they appealed for unity against hatred.

Leaders of the Ross Street Gurdwara (Khalsa Diwan Society) echoed these sentiments. In an open letter, the gurdwara’s management condemned the attack on their Sikh temple and noted that “a small group of separatists, advocating for Khalistan, defaced our sacred walls with divisive slogans like ‘Khalistan Zindabad’.”​ The gurdwara’s letter called upon all Canadians to “unite against division and extremism, for the future we all share,” emphasizing that the vast majority of Sikhs and Hindus stand together in rejecting such hateful ideology​. Jagdeep Singh Sanghera, vice-president of the Khalsa Diwan Society, said seeing those slogans — something unheard of even in earlier eras of prejudice — was “devastating and shocking” for the community​. “For that to happen in today’s world, on today’s Canadian soil, is clearly devastating and shocking,” he noted, reflecting the collective disbelief that places of worship in multicultural Vancouver could be targeted in this manner​.

Despite their anguish, both Sikh and Hindu leaders stressed solidarity and resilience. “Not blaming any factions, but the individual who did this has to be an extremist...whatever their background or political views, it’s extremist to do this at a place of worship,” Mr. Sanghera said, firmly rejecting any attempt to cast blame on entire communities​. He added that the vandals’ “motivation is obviously to divide the community and start tensions... and we will not let that succeed.”​ This resolve was shared by Hindu representatives. Vinay Sharma of the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society (which manages the Surrey temple) said “we were shocked and we were angry” at the attack, but he immediately reached out to Sikh colleagues to stand together. Sharma emphasized the need to condemn the crime unequivocally: “If we do not condemn it, these things will keep on happening again and again,” he warned​. Both communities have since increased communication and mutual support, ensuring that an act meant to sow division instead resulted in greater unity.

Wider community organizations and interfaith groups also reacted. The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce – representing Indo-Canadian business owners – denounced the vandalism as an act of “Hinduphobia [that] has no place in Canada.”​ The Chamber and other groups highlighted that Hindu Canadians are peaceful, law-abiding contributors to society, and called for perpetrators to be held accountable. CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) Canada noted with alarm that “this time, not just a Hindu temple, but also a Gurdwara that had courageously stood up to Khalistani extremism came under attack”​. Their statement urged Canadian politicians and law enforcement to take a stronger stand against such extremism and asked pointedly whether the Vancouver Police and Surrey RCMP will bring the criminals to justice​. This reflects a degree of frustration in the community over previous incidents that remain unsolved – indeed, local observers pointed out that the Surrey temple had been a target of hate and vandalism multiple times in recent months prior to this weekend, with no arrests made yet​.

Media and public figures amplified these condemnations. On social media, many Canadians – Sikh, Hindu, and others – expressed disgust at the attacks and solidarity with the affected communities. A widely shared sentiment was that an attack on any place of worship is an attack on Canada’s core values of religious freedom and multiculturalism. Calls were made for increased security funding for vulnerable sites and for community vigilance against hate. Some also connected the dots between this incident and rising tensions related to separatist extremism in the Indian diaspora. They urged the Canadian government to crack down on any groups inciting violence, both to protect those targeted and to preserve harmony between the Indo-Canadian (Hindu and Sikh) communities who have lived together peacefully for decades.

In summary, the immediate response to the Surrey temple hate crime was a combination of swift official action and heartfelt community solidarity. The overarching message in official statements was that Canada must not tolerate such hate. As the temple’s statement implored, leaders and citizens alike are expected to condemn these attacks in the strongest terms​. This united front is crucial, not only to bring the offenders to justice, but also to reassure all communities that they belong and are protected in Canada.

Impacts on Social Cohesion and Business Climate

Beyond the criminal investigation, this incident has broader ramifications for social cohesion in Canada. Hate crimes of this nature send shockwaves through minority communities, potentially making members feel unsafe or marginalized. Canada’s social fabric is built on multicultural harmony, and when that fabric is threatened, it can affect the overall climate for everyone – including businesses. An atmosphere of fear or tension can deter community members from fully participating in public life and economic activities, and it can tarnish Canada’s image as a welcoming destination for newcomers.

Immigrant communities – such as the Indian diaspora targeted in this case – are attuned to these signals of acceptance or rejection. Perceptions of safety and inclusion are crucial for immigrant entrepreneurs and international business owners deciding where to invest or settle. If temples, gurdwaras, or other cultural sites are attacked, it raises concerns that people of certain backgrounds are being targeted. This can create a chilling effect. For instance, an entrepreneur from India or any other country might question whether their family and cultural centers will be safe in Canada if they see repeated incidents of religiously or ethnically motivated vandalism. Over time, such worries could dissuade talented individuals from immigrating or prompt business owners to reconsider investing in communities perceived as hostile.

There is evidence that Canada’s once-strong reputation for welcoming diversity has been challenged in recent years by a rise in xenophobic incidents. Police-reported hate crimes in Canada more than doubled from 2019 to 2023, with 44.5% of incidents in 2023 motivated by race or ethnicity​. Advocates note an “apparent growth in anti-immigrant sentiment” that runs counter to Canada’s long-standing multicultural ethos​. While Canada still generally embraces newcomers, even a perceived backlash can have outsized effects on the psyche of immigrant communities. As one researcher observed, when social or economic frustrations arise, “people are looking for someone to blame… unfortunately a very easy target is immigrants.”​ This context underscores why incidents like the Surrey temple attack are so dangerous: they can inflame community divisions and feed a narrative (however false) that immigrants are unwelcome or in conflict with each other.

The Surrey incident specifically has implications for the Indo-Canadian community, which includes many business owners, professionals, and investors. Hindu Canadians reacting to the recent spate of temple attacks voiced not only fear but also disappointment in the lackluster response they feel they’ve received at times. In a late-2024 protest in Brampton following another temple attack, over a thousand Canadian Hindus rallied to demand stronger action from authorities​. They stressed their loyalty to Canada and pointed out, “the Hindu community has contributed so much to Canada… we add so much economic value.”​ The underlying plea was for their contributions to be recognized and their places of worship and persons to be protected just like anyone else’s. One participant implored, “What is happening to Hindu Canadians is not right… We want Canada to treat Hindus well... We want India and Canada relations to strengthen. We are against those who are against this”​. Such statements highlight that immigrant communities view safety and inclusion as prerequisites to continue contributing productively. If they feel consistently targeted or ignored, it could erode their trust in authorities and their sense of belonging, which in turn can affect their economic engagement.

For international business owners already operating in Canada, hate incidents can impact their business sentiment and confidence in the market. Businesses thrive in stable, cohesive societies; conversely, sectarian strife or hate-driven unrest can create an uncertain environment. Entrepreneurs from abroad often cite Canada’s social stability and multicultural openness as reasons for choosing to invest or set up businesses here. Should that stability be perceived to be weakening, it introduces risks – not only personal safety concerns but also worries about potential disruptions (protests, vandalism, boycotts) that could affect operations. For example, if communal tensions were to escalate, a business owned by a Hindu Canadian or Sikh Canadian might fear being indirectly caught in the crossfire or facing boycotts from one group or another. While Canada is far from such a scenario on a large scale, even isolated incidents raise these uncomfortable questions for those who have experienced or fled communal violence elsewhere.

Another aspect is the international perception of Canada as an investment destination. High-profile hate crimes can generate negative media coverage abroad. The temple graffiti incident was reported in Indian media and noticed by the diaspora worldwide​. If foreign investors see headlines about religious hate crimes in Canadian cities, it may chip away at Canada’s image as a safe haven. Particularly for investors from the country of the victimized community (in this case, India), it can create doubts. The Indian business community – ranging from corporate executives to startup founders – is watching how Canadian authorities handle radical elements that target the Indian diaspora. Any sign of laxity or indifference could “discourage foreign entrepreneurs from investing or operating in Canada,” as they might fear similar harassment or a lack of protection for their interests. This concern isn’t abstract: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned in 2024 that such vandalism and intimidation of Indian-Canadians were “deeply concerning” and indicated India expected Canadian authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of its community abroad. Diplomatic strains can translate into reduced economic interaction, whether through decreased investor confidence or even government-level advisories affecting travel and investment flows.

In sum, incidents of hate like the Surrey temple attack have a deleterious effect on societal cohesion and can adversely impact the business climate. They instill fear among targeted groups, potentially isolating them. They also challenge Canada’s inclusive brand, which is a key selling point in attracting global talent and capital. A continuous pattern of such incidents, if not addressed decisively, could lead to segments of immigrant communities feeling alienated or undervalued – a situation that could discourage them from fully investing their futures in Canada. The next section will delve into how much is at stake economically by highlighting the contributions of international business owners and immigrant entrepreneurs to Canada’s economy, and what Canada stands to lose if those contributions falter.

Contributions of International Business Owners to Canada’s Economy

Canada’s economy has been greatly enriched by immigrants and international business owners. Immigrant entrepreneurs play an outsize role in job creation, innovation, and economic growth, making them a pillar of Canada’s economic resilience. Understanding their contribution underscores why it is crucial to ensure Canada remains a welcoming environment for them.

According to the Government of Canada, immigrants account for 32% of all business owners with paid staff nationwide​. In other words, nearly one in three employers in Canada is an immigrant. These businesses collectively create thousands of jobs across all sectors – from construction and retail to technology and healthcare​. In British Columbia and Ontario, where immigrants concentrate, the proportion is even higher; over 40% of entrepreneurs in B.C. and Ontario are immigrants as of 2023​. This reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that many newcomers bring and the vital role they play in local economies. Metro Vancouver (which includes Surrey) is a clear example: vibrant immigrant-founded enterprises from Punjabi trucking companies to Indo-Canadian restaurants and tech startups have become integral to the region’s economy.

Research by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Statistics Canada further quantifies the impact. One study found that immigrant-owned firms accounted for 25% of net new job creation, despite representing about 17% of the firms studied​. This disproportionately high job creation is partly because many immigrant businesses are younger and in growth phases, thus hiring actively​. Immigrant entrepreneurs also tend to be highly innovative. A Statistics Canada analysis showed that businesses owned by immigrants are more likely to introduce product and process innovations and to own intellectual property than those owned by non-immigrants​. This is a positive indicator for productivity and long-term economic dynamism. In fact, in recent surveys, immigrant-led firms were found to be almost twice as likely to be planning increases in R&D (Research & Development) spending compared to the average firm​. Such innovation-led growth is crucial for Canada’s competitiveness in the global market.

International business owners often bring investment capital into Canada and help diversify Canada’s trade relationships. Immigrant-owned companies frequently leverage their connections to their countries of origin to establish trade links. For example, a Canadian manufacturing business started by someone from India or China might more readily export to or import from that country, expanding Canada’s trade portfolio. Data supports this: immigrant-owned firms in manufacturing have a higher probability of importing from and exporting to the immigrant owner’s region of origin than Canadian-born-owned firms​. This kind of global network boosts Canada’s access to foreign markets and sources of goods, enhancing economic resilience by not putting all eggs in one basket.

Moreover, immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth by filling gaps in the market and meeting labour shortages. Many newcomers start businesses in communities or niches that may have been underserved, from ethnic grocery stores in small towns to innovative tech solutions in big cities. The Canadian government explicitly recognizes that immigrant entrepreneurs create jobs, attract investment, and drive innovation​. These contributions help offset the challenges of an aging domestic workforce and low birth rates in Canada, thereby supporting the tax base and public services​. For instance, a new immigrant-founded healthcare clinic or an IT startup not only serves community needs but also employs Canadians and pays taxes that fund social programs.

To put it succinctly, international business owners and immigrant-founded companies are a cornerstone of Canada’s GDP and economic vitality. They start a substantial share of new businesses, and many of Canada’s success stories in tech and industry have immigrant founders. They also tend to be resilient and adaptable, qualities that help in economic downturns. During the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period, immigrant entrepreneurs were key in generating jobs and pivoting to new opportunities, thus aiding overall economic resilience.

However, this engine of growth can be sensitive to the social environment. For immigrant entrepreneurs to continue flourishing and investing in Canada, they need to feel secure, valued, and included. If experiences of discrimination or targeted hate make them or their communities feel unsafe, it could have a chilling effect on their economic engagement. Canada’s economic strength is intertwined with its multiculturalism – protect one, and you protect the other.

Potential Deterrence of Foreign Entrepreneurs: Economic and Social Consequences

Incidents like the Surrey temple hate crime raise the question: could such hate-driven acts discourage foreign entrepreneurs from investing in or operating businesses in Canada? Unfortunately, if these incidents were to continue unchecked or become more frequent, the answer may be yes – and the consequences could be significant both economically and socially.

From an economic standpoint, even a slight downturn in immigrant entrepreneurship or foreign investment due to safety fears can ripple across the economy. Consider that immigrants are projected to make up half of all entrepreneurs in B.C. and Ontario within the next decade​. If a segment of these future entrepreneurs decides to go elsewhere – say, an Indian tech founder chooses the UK or US over Canada because of concerns about extremist threats – that represents lost economic activity for Canada. Fewer businesses started means fewer jobs created domestically. It could also mean less innovation (since, as noted, immigrant-led firms are innovation leaders​) and lost tax revenues in the long run.

Additionally, foreign investors often look at a country’s social stability as a criterion for investment. Canada has typically scored high in stability and rule of law, attracting capital and companies. But a perception that extremist actors can operate with impunity or that certain communities face recurring harassment could make investors think twice. This is especially relevant for investors from countries like India, who might be considering ventures in Canada. If they see their cultural or religious peers being targeted and sense a lack of effective response, they may worry about both safety and potential diplomatic fallout. In worst-case scenarios, prolonged community tensions could even result in travel advisories or warnings from source countries (for example, if India were to formally caution its citizens about safety in certain parts of Canada, which would be extraordinary but not inconceivable if attacks persisted). Such signals would certainly dampen enthusiasm for investing in Canada.

The social consequences of deterring foreign entrepreneurs are intertwined with the economic ones. Immigrant entrepreneurs often become community leaders and bridge-builders. They open shops in neighborhoods, join boards of trade, sponsor local sports teams, and otherwise weave themselves into the social fabric. If fewer of them come or some decide to leave, communities could lose these positive forces. There is also the danger of a brain drain in reverse: while typically one talks of Canadian talent leaving, here immigrant talent that Canada actively wants to attract might choose not to come. Given that Canada’s future growth partly relies on high levels of immigration (including entrepreneurs and investors), anything that undercuts Canada’s attractiveness to that talent pool can slow down the country’s growth trajectory.

Moreover, if hate incidents make immigrant communities feel they must “keep their heads down,” we might see reduced civic participation by these groups. Entrepreneurs might opt to keep a low profile, avoiding community events or public roles, which can diminish the richness of local civic life. Trust in law enforcement and government could erode among those who feel insufficiently protected, leading to further alienation. Such social fracturing can, over time, create enclaves of disaffected communities – something Canada has largely avoided but must be careful to guard against. Societal cohesion is directly linked to economic prosperity; when all groups feel valued and safe, they cooperate and contribute more, whereas division and fear are distractions from productive endeavors.

It’s important to note that Canada has taken steps to prevent this negative spiral. The government’s anti-hate action plan and investments in community security (like grants for security systems at places of worship) are aimed at reassuring targeted communities and thwarting would-be vandals or attackers​. There are also strong laws against hate crimes, and high-profile cases tend to be investigated by special hate crime units​. The public outrage in events like the Surrey temple attack also acts as a deterrent by showing that the vast majority stands with the victims, not the vandals. All these efforts are crucial in preserving Canada’s image as a secure, inclusive place to live and do business.

Nonetheless, the incident in Surrey is a cautionary tale. It underscores that even in a multicultural society, extremist hatred can rear its head and must be actively countered. If Canada fails to protect its minority communities, it could pay an economic price by losing some of the entrepreneurial energy that has been driving its economy. Conversely, effectively addressing such hate crimes – through swift justice, support for victims, and community solidarity – will help ensure that foreign entrepreneurs and immigrant business owners continue to see Canada as a land of opportunity and safety.

Conclusion

The hateful graffiti attack on the Surrey Hindu temple, referencing Khalistan and aiming to terrorize a religious community, has been met with strong condemnation and collective resolve. Police and government responses reinforce that such acts will not be tolerated, and community reactions have demonstrated unity between Hindu and Sikh Canadians in the face of attempts to divide them. While the incident itself is disturbing, it has shone a light on the importance of safeguarding Canada’s core values of diversity and respect. These values are not just social ideals; they are intertwined with Canada’s economic success.

Canada’s ability to attract and retain international business owners and investors is closely linked to its reputation as a safe and inclusive society. Immigrant entrepreneurs have become engines of growth – creating jobs, innovating, and expanding trade – and they thrive in environments where they and their communities feel secure. Hate crimes threaten that environment. If left unchecked, they carry the risk of undermining the confidence of those who contribute so much to Canada’s prosperity. A multicultural society at peace with itself is also a foundation for a robust economy. As Prime Minister Trudeau remarked, hate in any part of the country is an attack on the values Canadians hold dear, and “a safer Canada is a more prosperous Canada.”​

Incidents like the one in Surrey serve as a stark reminder that Canada must continually work to uphold inclusion and justice. The broader community – from local neighbors to federal authorities – has a stake in ensuring that extremists do not succeed in spreading fear. By taking decisive action against hate crimes and investing in community outreach and education, Canada can maintain the confidence of all its citizens and residents, including international business owners who have chosen to make Canada their home. In doing so, Canada not only honors its principles but also protects its economic future. The hope is that from this troubling incident will come a strengthened commitment to unity, so that Canada remains a place where people from all over the world feel safe to live, worship, and contribute to the nation’s collective prosperity.

Sources

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

TAGS:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #Surrey, BC #Vandalism #Hate Crime #Vancouver Police #Surrey Police

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