Ottawa (April 30, 2019): The World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomes Royal Assent to Bill-376 “An Act to Designate April as Sikh Heritage Month”. The Bill is now law and henceforth, April will be recognized as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada.
Bill 376 was originally introduced by Surrey-Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal in October 2017.
The Bill received unanimous support in a vote in the House of commons on November 7, 2018 and was passed in the Senate on April 11, 2019.
Image used for representational purpose
Sikh Heritage Month recognizes the history and contributions of the Sikh community to Canada. During the month of April Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi and Khalsa Sirjana Divas, the day on which the Order of the Khalsa was revealed and Sikhs were given a distinct identity along with the Sikh articles of faith. Khalsa Day Parades are held in cities across Canada to commemorate the event. Sikh Heritage Month events are also held in cities and provinces across Canada through the month of April.
WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “royal assent to the Sikh Heritage Month Act in Canada is a great way to conclude Sikh Heritage Month in 2019. Sikh Heritage Month provides an important opportunity for Canadian Sikhs to share and celebrate their faith and history with their neighbours. We would like to thank and congratulate MP Sukh Dhaliwal for his work in making the recognition of Sikh Heritage Month possible.”