Close X
Sunday, November 17, 2024
ADVT 
National

Parliamentary secretary’s statement on Sikh Heritage Month

Darpan News Desk BC Government, 01 Apr, 2022 07:21 PM
  • Parliamentary secretary’s statement on Sikh Heritage Month

Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, has released the following statement to mark Sikh Heritage Month:

“More than 100 years ago, the first gurdwara in our province opened its doors in Vancouver. Now British Columbia is home to one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India, and our province is honoured to dedicate this month to acknowledge and celebrate the rich culture and diversity the Sikh community brings.

“April marks the occasion of Vaisakhi, a chance to celebrate the harvest and the start of a new agricultural year, the holiest celebration in Sikh faith. Sikhs also come together in April to mark the creation of the Khalsa of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which imparts the values of equality, seva (selfless service) and social justice.

“We’ve seen many examples of seva in British Columbia, especially during the last two years. From vaccine clinics hosted at gurdwaras to blood donation drives and meals cooked for stranded travellers during the flooding last November, our province continues to be strengthened and enriched by the Sikh community.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all in so many ways. Unfortunately, instead of celebrating the contributions that have shaped our history and our future, we have seen increasing incidents of hate and intolerance since the pandemic began. Now more than ever, we must stand up against this rising hate.

“Our government remains committed to stamping out racism and discrimination in B.C. That’s why, in the coming months, we’ll be introducing new anti-racism data legislation to help eliminate systemic racism by supporting secure race-based data collection. This will help pave the way to a more equitable, inclusive province, delivering better outcomes for those who rely on these programs and services, such as health care, education and policing.

“At a time when so many are divided, we can all learn from the Sikh notion of ‘sarbat da bhala’ and the wish that everyone should prosper.

“Due to the pandemic, some celebrations will continue to look different this year. While the Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey is not taking place, there are many other ways we can safely connect and celebrate this auspicious month, including events hosted by Sikh Heritage BC. I hope everyone takes part in these festivities in a safe way and learns more about a community that has played a significant role in shaping this province over the last century.

“I encourage all British Columbians to join us in honouring Sikh Heritage month by taking inspiration from the incredible and selfless contributions that Sikh Canadians have made – and continue to make – in our communities. By treating each other with respect and dignity, we can make B.C. a more just, inclusive and welcoming province for everyone.”

MORE National ARTICLES

MPs must be fully vaccinated to be in House

MPs must be fully vaccinated to be in House
That includes members of Parliament, their staff, political research office employees, administration employees, journalists, parliamentary business visitors, contractors and consultants.

MPs must be fully vaccinated to be in House

Coquitlam incident lands man in hospital in critical condition

Coquitlam incident lands man in hospital in critical condition
Just after 3 a.m. on October 19, a frontline officer from the Coquitlam RCMP was approached and asked to help locate a man, who had allegedly left his home under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was wearing only a t-shirt and underwear. The information was broadcast to local area officers who began patrolling.

Coquitlam incident lands man in hospital in critical condition

560 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

560 COVID19 cases for Tuesday
There are 4,913 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 191,476 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 382 individuals are in hospital and 146 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

560 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

Shots fired late at night in the Queensborough neighborhood of New Westminster

Shots fired late at night in the Queensborough neighborhood of New Westminster
On October 18th at approximately 11:45 pm the New Westminster Police Department received multiple calls about shots fired in the area of Hendry Place in Queensborough. Members responded to the scene and confirmed that shots had been fired at a residence. 

Shots fired late at night in the Queensborough neighborhood of New Westminster

Lawyers want exclusion from B.C. illegal cash regs

Lawyers want exclusion from B.C. illegal cash regs
The province launched the inquiry after reports outlined a money laundering crisis fuelled by millions of dollars in illegal cash being funnelled through the real estate, luxury car and gambling sectors in B.C.    

Lawyers want exclusion from B.C. illegal cash regs

Capacity limits to be lifted in B.C.

Capacity limits to be lifted in B.C.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says sporting events, indoor concerts, movie theatres, symphonies and other venues can go to 100 per cent capacity when proof of vaccination status is checked.    

Capacity limits to be lifted in B.C.