Canadian Sikhs Can Now Wear Kirpans on Airplanes

OTTAWA, Canada—The Canadian government has allowed initiated Sikhs to wear small Kirpan with 6 cm blade while boarding on domestic as well as the International flights. However, an exception has been kept on flights to United States where the Canadian Sikhs will be deprived of this facility.

According to information shared by the World Sikh Organization of Canada, the Transport Canada has excluded the Kirpan with 6 cm blade from the list of items banned while boarding on Domestic as well as International flights.

It is noteworthy here that the Transport Canada is responsible for chalking out transportation policies and programs in Canada. It ensures safe, secure, efficient and environmentally-responsible transportation. Transport Canada reports to Parliament and Canadians through the Minister of Transport. It works with its portfolio partners, other government departments and jurisdictions, and industry to ensure that all parts of Canada’s transportation system work well.

The Sikh community is already enjoying liberty of carrying Kirpan with blade up to 6 cm while boarding on flights in Europe.  However, carrying Kirpan is totally banned while boarding on flights from India.

Sharing this development with Sikh24, World Sikh Organization President Mukhbir Singh said, “we welcome today’s announcement.  We had shared our concerns with Transport Canada last spring with respect to the accommodation of small kirpans and remained in communication with them over this matter.”

“By adopting the European Union standard on blade length, Sikh travelers in Canada will be able to wear kirpans with blades of up to 6cm in length.  It is important to understand however, that the size requirements will be enforced strictly and Sikh travelers wishing to travel with their kirpan meet the size requirements.”