Toronto, Ontario: The Ontario Gurdwaras Committee (OGC) and Ontario Sikh and Gurudwara Council (OSGC) collectively commemorated the victims of the 1984 Sikh Genocide at Queen’s Park on November 7. Community members and elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) gathered inside Queen’s Park for the speaking portion of the evening and wrapped up with a candlelight vigil for the victims outside on the South Lawn.
1984 Sikh Genocide Anniversary Marked at Queen’s Part Toronto
Dozens of elected officials from all parties attended the commemoration at Queen’s Park, alongside many members of the community. MPPs from all parties brought remarks of sympathy for the victims including:
- Amarjot Sandhu (Brampton West) – Progressive Conservative
- Gurratan Singh (Brampton East) – New Democratic Party
- Kathleen Wynne (Don Valley West) – Ontario Liberal Party
- Mike Schreiner (Guelph) – Green Party of Ontario
The community was deeply moved by their messages of compassion, sorrow and solidarity.
The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, Associate Professor at the Ohio State University and Trustee at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. He shared powerful witness testimony and discussed the importance of the journey towards truth and justice.
Following the commemoration inside Queen’s Park, members of the community moved to the South Lawn for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the victims of the Genocide. Both OGC and OSGC delivered a message to the community in remembrance of the victims. Members of the community were appreciative that some MPPs also joined the candlelight vigil.
Both OGC and OSGC would like to thank members of the media and community who attended this event. We would also like to thank our elected officials who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the commemorations. Both organizations are committed to continuing to remember the victims of the 1984 Sikh Genocide and the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.