Andrea Horwath Statement on Vaisakhi

On behalf of the Ontario NDP, I would like to extend my best wishes to the Sikh community during this celebration of sisterhood and brotherhood. Vaisakhi brings people together from all faiths to express gratitude for our good fortune.

The birth of the Khalsa is a special event because it represents a commitment to service, justice and freedom. It is a day to celebrate social and gender equality; it is a day when caste was done away with; it is a day to remember the injustices of the past and a time to take pride in the achievements of the Sikh community; and it is a day to reaffirm our commitment to a future of acceptance and inclusion.

New Democrats share the Sikh values of social justice and community service, and we are proud of our close ties to the Sikh community. The Ontario NDP have fought for the right of Sikhs to wear their articles of faith, we have fought for the right for Sikhs to wear the Kirpan in Ontario’s courts, and we have introduced a bill to recognize April as Sikh Heritage Month.

New Democrats are proud to join with the Sikh community as Vaisakhi brings families and friends together to celebrate the universal values of peace and cooperation.