Sikhs across the world and across Canada are gathering to mark Vaisakhi or the founding of the Khalsa.  Many Canadians may be familiar with the sight of colourful Khalsa Day Parades to mark Vaisakhi but perhaps not so familiar with the significance and history behind the holiday.  We’ll try to provide some background information here.

In response to Terry Milewski's commentary "Sikhs rally for suicide bomber on Parliament HIll", the World Sikh Organization of Canada has sent a letter of concern to CBC's ombudsman Kirk LaPointe

WSO has been very clear that there is no evidence of extremism in the Canadian Sikh community.  Those who claim otherwise have yet to offer any proof.

WSO legal counsel Balpreet Singh's commentary on the recent media coverage of the Balwant Singh Rajoana issue appeared in the The Province today.  Balpreet Singh argues that the media needs to present the story behind the story in order to fully understand why many in the Sikh community have rallied to end capital punishment and save Rajoana's life.

We were bemused to see an article by the Georgia Straight’s Charlie Smith attempting to draw a link between NDP leadership candidate Martin Singh’s campaign and the WSO.  To illustrate the connection, Mr. Smith refers to an articleposted on WSO’s site from 2006 about a visit by the Canadian Armed Forces to the Halifax Gurdwara which was then headed by Martin Singh.  WSO wasn’t involved in the visit in any capacity, but posted it as an interesting news piece on Sikhs in Canada. 

UPDATE:  Kulwant Singh died of his injuries on February 14th.

On Sunday February 12, 2012 Indian media reported that 35 year old ‘dreaded terrorist’ Kulwant Singh was in critical condition after having been admitted to hospital with over 50 per cent burns to his body.  Jail officials claim that Kulwant Singh attempted suicide while cooking.  According to the news stories, fellow inmates and jail officials refuse to comment any further on what happened.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) completed its 27^th year of service in 2011 and once again this year we’ve been able to accomplish so much with your support. 

Below is a brief overview of WSO’s activities in 2011 in our three main areas of operation:  media, legal and advocacy & education:

Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney recently announced that henceforth, Muslim women will be prohibited from covering their faces with the niqab during citizenship ceremonies.  The move was met with general support and the federal opposition parties have also largely avoided commenting on the issue. 

By Binayak & Ilina Sen

Former bank employee Jaswant Singh Khalra was last seen washing his car outside his home in 1995 before he joined the ranks of the disappeared. He was involved in tracing the people who had disappeared in the wake of the anti-Sikh pogrom in Punjab after Indira Gandhi's assassination. 

By Balpreet Singh

On this International Human Rights Day, I would like to reflect on the courageous role of human rights defenders. 

By Lieutenant Manjeet Singh Vinning, The British Columbia Regiment (DCO)

Canadians will gather across the nation to remember the soldiers who paid the ultimate price for their country. We are reminded of the sacrifice of the men and women who fought bravely for peace and justice. We pay tribute to those who have served and who are currently serving on operations today.