OTTOWA: Government regulation changed around March 1990 to allow turbans in the uniform for Sikh Mounties changes were implemented recommendations by RCMP commissioner Norman Inkster. Sisters in Leth Bridge Alberta produced a petition from 210,000 people and attempted to stop these changes without success three retired RCMP member later filed a case against the General of Canada the General of Canada and the Commissioner in Fed of Canada.
The World Sikh Organization 1993 for intervene status in the case The Civil Liberties As of Calgary with the Religious Coalition group of Edmonton and the Sikh Society of Calgary also made applications for intervener status. The WSO Civil Liberties Association and the Human Rights Commission were granted intervener status on December 13, 1993 WSO was allowed to apply to the Federal Court of Canada to extend the status if required during the trial.
The trial commence on Jan.25,1994 in Calgary Federal Court of Canada. Plaintiff lawyers put forward seven witnesses (Some expert witnesses on Religion and the state relationship symbols. etc). WSO lawyers Ram Raghbir Singh Chahal and Gian Singh Sandhu were not satisfied with the Crowns handling of the defence to date and on January 27-19%. WSO made a motion to extend intervener status to cross examine Plaintiff witnesses and introduce one witness from the WSO. The WSO represented by the law firm of Schroeder and Pigeon Barristers and Solicitors was granted the extended status and Gian Singh Sandhu took the stand as witness Gian Singh touched on the religious aspects of the turban and the role of Sikh Mounties and stressed that all Sikh Mounties can serve Canadians like any other officer in the force while practicing their own religion The appearance of a Sikh Mountie with a turban as a part of the RCMP uniform will not affect his duties but will provide a role mode} nationally and internationally The Crown also produced seven expert witnesses in defense which included Dr MacLeod and Dr.Ben Cuson who performed extremely well. Dr MacLeod stressed the require ment of the turban for the Sikhs and its significance in the religion. He stressed the differences between the Sikhs and their religion in Comparison to other countries (where turbans are also worn) and that the mandatory requirement for Kesdhari and baptized Sikhs cannot be compromised.
The trial adjourned February 1,1994 pending the submission of written presentations and the presentation of oral submissions to the court which is scheduled to be held in the third week of April 1994. The Court is expected to render a decision in late April or early May. At the present time written submissions are being reviewed by WSO legal counsel and responses will be submitted shortly The trial went well and by Gods grace we hope for & favorable decision Our gratitude goes out to our legal counselors Mr Drew Schroeder and Mrs Shergill who represented the Sikh community with skill and confidence in this Precedent setting case.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 8, 1994
