SIR,

Why are Gerry Weiner and the Department of Multiculturalism determined to spend the Canadian Tax payers hard earned dollars to continue in its interference in the Sikh community’s affairs?

The latest example brought to our attention is this weekend’s grand conference at the Toronto Airport Skyline Hotel all at Canadian government’s expense. Handpicked delegates are being flown in from various parts of the country with the view to justify the legitimacy of the so-called “National Alliance of Canadian Sikhs.” All delegates are treated to air fare and first class hotel ‘accommodations and meals.

In the consultative process, Sikhs across the country strongly stated that there was no need for the formation of yet another Sikh organization, Despite loud objections the government rushed headlong into this project. Many of us are suspicious of the government’s generosity, especially at a time of recession and high unemployment, Government funded groups are always be holding to their funders. They must toe the line or lose their grants, This is taken seriously by all of them. Even the Canadian Ethnos cultural Council is afraid to accept members that may be perceived to be controversial to sell government policies. (Please refer to Now magazines article of Jan.16,’92.)

It is a sad day for Sikh Canadians. The price of buttressing the EGOs of a few, will cost the rest of us a large step backwards in the fight for equality and justice, not only in Canada, but for our friends and families in Punjab, It is most unfortunate that innocent Sikhs are victimized and the Canadian tax payer is being fleeced all in one operation, ‘al Gerry Weiner and his department should realize from recent race riots that racism, bigotry and discrimination will not be | eliminated by setting up dummy   organizations with handpicked delegates. This is contrary to the spirit of democracy. Money spent on opulent conferences would be far better spent on food banks. Funding an unwanted and un necessary organization seems: most inappropriate to say the least.

Gian Singh Sandhu

International President

World Sikh Organization

Article extracted from this publication >>