WHY SIKH HERITAGE MONTH?
The Month of April was proclaimed as Sikh Heritage Month by the legislature of Ontario in 2013 (Bill 52).
Unanimously supported by Liberals, Conservatives and the NDP, the proclamation of April as Sikh Heritage month recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric.
“Sikh Canadians have lived in Ontario since the middle of the 20th century,” said Singh. “They represent a growing and dynamic population. Sikh Canadians have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ontario and that’s what we’re celebrating this month.” – Jagmeet Singh, NDP MPP.
April was specifically chosen given its importance for Sikhs, as it is in April that Sikh Canadians celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the formalization of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate our future generations and society at large about Sikh Canadians and the important role that they play in communities across Ontario.