TORONTO, Ontario, Canada—On Tuesday, April 1, NDP MPP Jagmeet Singh officially launched Sikh Heritage Month at a reception in Queen’s Park. Over 200 people attended with exhibits provided by the SikhMuseum.com and the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada.
Singh introduced the Bill in the Ontario Legislature calling on the month of April to be recognized as Sikh Heritage Month. The Bill received Royal Assent and was officially passed in December, 2013.
“Sikhs have been in Canada for over 100 years and have lived in Ontario since the early the 20th century,” said Singh. “They represent a growing and dynamic population, making important contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ontario – that’s what we’re celebrating this month.”
April is an important month for the Sikh community. It marks Vaisakhi, the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. Every April, Sikhs across the province widely celebrate “Khalsa Day” and the values of equality, freedom and social justice.
By proclaiming the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Sikh Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.
