Canada: Manitoba Assembly unanimously passes motion against anti-Sikh hate
Canada: The Manitoba Legislative Assembly has passed a motion condemning hate and discrimination against the Sikh community. All parties backed it.
The motion, titled “Standing Up Against Anti-Sikh Hate,” was moved by New Democratic Party (NDP) MLA Diljeet Brar, who represents the Burrows constituency. It was tabled as Notice of Motion No. 16. Members from different parties supported it, including Liberal MLA Cindy Lamoureux and NDP MLA JD Devgan.
The motion strongly condemns racism, religious discrimination and intolerance. It says Manitoba’s real strength lies in its diversity and that the Sikh community has made a big contribution to the province and to Canada as a whole. It names healthcare, medical science, education, public service, the justice system, politics, sports, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics as areas where Sikhs have worked hard and taken leadership roles.
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The motion also voices concern over hate graffiti and other acts of intimidation aimed at Sikhs. It says such incidents hurt the community directly. They also show that racism, discrimination and religious intolerance still threaten people’s safety and well-being.
The text adds that people in Manitoba and across Canada are facing many challenges at the moment. In such times, it says, unity, mutual understanding and respect are needed to build a strong and shared future. The Assembly said Manitobans stand together against hate and want a society where everyone gets respect, equality and a sense of belonging.
The motion comes after anti-Sikh graffiti and other hate incidents were reported in Winnipeg ahead of a Nagar Kirtan event. About 75 persons from different communities sat in the visitors’ gallery to watch the proceedings. Their presence showed the community’s interest in the issue and its support for the Sikh community.
Sikhs make up a relatively small share of Manitoba’s population. Even so, the community has earned a respected place in the province’s social life through hard work, service and leadership.
This is not the first time Diljeet Brar has taken up a cause linked to Sikh identity and heritage. His earlier Bill 227, known as The Turban Day Act, has already received Royal Assent. Under that law, April 13 is marked every year as Turban Day in Manitoba.
- PTC NEWS
