EDMONTON: Speaking at the Annual Function of Edmonton Chapter of WSO Mr Gian Singh Sandhu lashed out at the Canadian Government for bartering away the rights of Sikhs with an eye on business opportunities with India.
At stake are not only the interests of the Sikhs but also of the Muslims and other non-Hindu minorities in India.
He said loss of one human life in Lithuania is enough to outrage the Canadian Government which is putting pressure on Gorbachev to let Lithuania Estonia and Latvia became independent but the same Canadian Government has been blind and deaf to the merciless killings of Sikhs by the Indian Government.
He also pointed out that Sikh struggle is not for Sikh alone but for all people seeking freedom and liberty.
David Kilgour the maverick M.P. from Alberta traced the history of discrimination against the Sikhs in Canada. It is unfortunate that the Sikhs and other visible authorities continue to be discriminated against in Canada.
Percy Wickman liberal MLA of Alberta and Pam Barrett NDP House Leader expressed their disappointment with some Canadian’s seeking to prohibit the wearing of turbans by the Sikhs in RCMP or while visiting Legion clubs
Grant Mitchell liberal MLA expressed a hope that Sikhs and other minorities will continue to be vigilant in safe guarding the rights of all people.
Margaret Mitchell M.P. from British Columbia who has been a strong supporter of the Sikh cause commented on the war in the Middle East and hoped that it will not strain relations between Canadians from different parts of the world.
Jasbeer Singh Aberta Vice President of WSO highlighted the fact that Sikhism and Human Rights are inseparable Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib the Sikhs were subjected to two hundred years of education training and preparation before being transformed into Khalsa.
The Sikhs have always stood for fought for and made sacrifices for the protection and promotion of rights and liberties of all people.
Ram Raghbir Singh Chahal Canadian President of WSO made a brief mention of the projects undertaken by WSO (Canada) He urged the Canadian Sikhs to be vigilant and take active part in community and public affairs in Canada and elsewhere.
Cathy Richards Alberta President of Federal liberal’s conveyed regrets from Mr.Jean Christian the National liberal leader for not being able to join the gathering in Edmonton.
The other notable guests included Alderman Sheila McKay who also represented the Mayor Chief of Police Mr McNally Diana Parker Manager CKER Radio Ted Norris from Secretary of State Pearl Poiennet from “Equality Now Action Committee” Ron Alexander from CJCA Radio and representatives from local Sikh.
Organizations
Article extracted from this publication >> February 1, 1991
