Surrey, BC, Canada (January 10, 2012): On December 10, 2012, The Coalition of Sikh Organizations distributed a questionnaire to all seven candidates in the provincial Liberal leadership race. The questionnaire consisted of eleven questions addressing the concerns of Sikhs in Ontario, and the deadline to respond was December 21, 2012.
The questionnaire presented an opportunity for Sikhs living in Ontario to get a better understanding of the candidates’ views on numerous topics of interest. Along with specific Sikh issues, the questionnaire addressed broader issues, such as auto insurance, healthcare, gridlock in Peel and temporary job agencies.
“We are very happy with the response to the questionnaire. I know that along with the elders, the youth are very much looking forward to assessing the responses of the leadership candidates”, said Balkaran Singh from Gurdwara Guru Nanak Mission and Ontario Sikh and Gurdwara Council.
According to Canadian Sikh Coalition Spokesperson, Moninder Bual, “this was a great step in a positive direction taken by the Coalition of Sikh Organizations. It has opened dialogue between the Sikh community and their elected officials and brings forth real issues that Sikhs in Ontario and across Canada face when dealing with affairs in India.”
The Canadian Sikh Coalition encourages Sikhs in Ontario and across Canada to view the questionnaire and continue to engage politicians in discussion pertaining to Sikh issues nationally and internationally.
Of the seven candidates running, 5 responded to the questionnaire. All answers have been presented in the order in which they were received.