Sikh man alleged religious discrimination in Canada, says he was denied police exam over kirpan
PTC News Desk: A Sikh man in Canada has alleged religious discrimination after he was reportedly denied opportunity to write a police recruitment examination because he refused to remove his kirpan, a sacred article of faith worn by initiated Sikhs.
Jaspal Singh Gill, who moved from India to Canada in 2021, said he always dreamed of becoming a police officer because both his father and grandfather had served in the police force in India. Speaking to Canadian broadcaster CTV News, Gill said joining the police had been his long-term goal.
Gill became a permanent resident of Canada in 2024 and moved to Winnipeg last summer. Since arriving in Canada, he had been preparing for police recruitment exams and was called to appear for the Winnipeg Police Service recruitment test in late April.
However, Gill claimed he was stopped before the exam started. The police service said it welcomes applicants from different religious backgrounds and has earlier made temporary secure arrangements for Sikh candidates to store their kirpans.
Gill argued that the restriction violated his constitutional rights. He referred to a 2006 ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada, which said banning Sikhs from carrying kirpans goes against religious freedom.
He also pointed out that Sikhs are allowed to wear kirpans in courthouses, legislative assemblies, and even on domestic flights in Canada.
Gill said he has filed a request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to seek details about the police department’s policies. He added that he may also approach the Manitoba Human Rights Commission over the matter.
- With inputs from agencies
