AMRITSAR: High on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent visit to India, Canadian Minister for Democratic Reforms, Tim Uppal today said he was glad over progress being made in bi-lateral ties between India and Canada. He said trade between two countries is set to rise by three times, given the emerging investments scenario, which would help two nations to create new jobs.
Uppal, a first turbaned Cabinet Minister in Canada, was speaking to media persons soon after his emphatic interactions with students of Political Science at historic Khalsa College here today. Flanked by Khalsa College Governing Council honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina and staff from Canadian High Commission in Delhi, he also planted tree sapling which he dedicated to rising `friendly ties' between Canada and India.
He recalled the PM Harper's visit to Punjab and how effective it was for economic and diplomatic relations. Speaking on immigrant’s issues he said he was worried over the `brain drain’ from India and particularly from Punjab to Canada. “No doubt we are opening up immigration regime and speeding up process of clearing pending immigration cases. But I am worried about huge brain drain. We need specialized professionals but I would advise Punjabi youth not to fall trap to travel agents and consultants who show them false dreams,” said he.
He also spoke about abundance energy sources in Canada and how India could benefit from it while Canada need Indian expertise in IT industries and trained work-force. Chhina honoured Tim for his visit. “We are proud of him for progressing to such a high post. I am happy that he cleared many misconceptions regarding immigration rules to our youth today,” said Chhina.
Khalsa College Principal Dr.Daljit Singh also honoured Tim who while answering queries from inquisitive students talked about the need of democratic reforms in Canada as well as well as India. ``I feel the enforcement of law is something that needed to be stressed in India. In Canada we are working to highlight diversities in our institutions and culture’’, said he. He said there were huge opportunities to pursue studies in Canada and presently 33000 Indian students were studying in various universities and colleges.
Those who were present included KCGC Member Fulbagh Singh, Registrar Khalsa College Prof.Baljinder Singh, Prof. Davinder Singh and Prof.Jaspreet Kaur, Deputy Director, PR, DS Rataul, Accounts Officer Kulwinder Singh and others.
