VICTORIA - Rachna Singh, BC Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, marked the beginning of Sikh Heritage Month by emphasizing culture and diversity.

"The Sikh community has continued to enrich and strengthen our province since the first Gurdwara opened its doors more than 100 years ago in Vancouver. British Columbia is now home to one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India, and we are grateful for the rich culture and diversity that they bring to this province,” Singh said.

"April is an important month for Sikhs around the world. For more than 300 years, Sikhs come together to mark the creation of the Khalsa of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which imparts the values of equality, selfless service and social justice that are so important to the Sikh community. This month is also a chance to celebrate the harvest and the start of a new agricultural year as part of Vaisakhi, the holiest celebration in Sikh faith.

"While celebrations will look different this year with COVID-19 still on our doorstep, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity this month to take part in these festivities in a safe way and learn more about a community that has played a significant role in shaping this province over the last century.

"The last 12 months have challenged us all in so many ways, but our government remains committed to stamping out racism and discrimination in B.C. That's why we're making it a priority to introduce B.C.'s first anti-racism act and legislation that will help reduce systemic discrimination and pave the way for race-based data collection.

"At a time when so many are divided, we can all learn from the Sikh notion of 'sarbat da bhala' and the wish that everyone should prosper.

"I encourage all British Columbians to join us in honouring Sikh Heritage month and taking inspiration from the invaluable contributions that Sikh Canadians have made - and continue to make - to communities in B.C. By treating each other with respect and dignity, and lifting people up at every opportunity, we can make B.C. a more just, inclusive and welcoming province for everyone."

BC Liberal MLA for Richmond North Centre and Opposition Critic for Tourism, Arts and Culture Teresa Wat also marked Sikh Heritage Month.

“British Columbia is home to the largest population of Sikhs in all of Canada, and today we recognize and honour the amazing contributions our Sikh communities have made to our province,” Wat said.

“As we enter the second year of the pandemic, we continue to be inspired by the many ways our temples and Sikh organizations have found to support each other and those most vulnerable in our communities. This is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and kindness that is so prevalent throughout our Sikh community.

“It is this spirit that has helped build our province and drive it forward culturally and economically for over a century, and in the month of April we recognize the important contributions Sikh Canadians have made to British Columbia’s past and continue to make today.

“I want to thank all members of the Sikh community for their selfless service in these tough times and encourage everyone to learn more about how Sikhs have contributed to British Columbia’s culture, economy, and society this Sikh Heritage Month.”