Sikh have built a more compassionate Canada says Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Sikhs have helped build a compassionate Canada. He said that ahead of the Sikh Heritage Month which begins in Canada tomorrow.

This year the Sikh Heritage Month (April 5 to June 29th) is honoring slain activist Jaswant Singh Khalra (who was killed in Amritsar in 1995). There is an exhibition titled ‘Challenging the Darkness’ featuring Khalra that would be on display during the month.

The exhibition will showcase Khalra’s findings which includes accusations against Indian government of attrocities against the Sikh Community between 1984 to 1995.

“For nearly 130 years, Sikh Canadians have helped build a more compassionate, equal, and just Canada. Sikh Heritage Month is a time to reflect on that history, and to recognize the Sikh community and values that are still building our country today,” said PM Carney a few hours back.

Carney assumed charge as the 24th PM of Canada on March 14th and there is optimism that he would help in the revival of strained diplomatic ties with India.

It may be recalled that India and Canada came to a diplomatic low after allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were made by the then PM Justin Trudeau.

Canada has the largest Sikh population outside of India, with approximately 771,790 Sikhs, representing 2.1 per cent of the Canadian population, as of the 2021 census.

When Carney was campaigning for PM he had spoken about improving ties with India and had that he intented to expand trade partnerships with like-minded nations, highlighting India as a key opportunity.

(Photo: Jaswant Singh Khalra)