What is the WSO?

The World Sikh Organization (WSO) is a non-profit international umbrella organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status. read more

The WSO has been actively involved in addressing major social issues in Canada since 1984. As part of this involvement, and with the view to fostering better understanding and accommodation of all peoples, read more

The World Sikh Organization reaches out to protect Sikh interests around the world and has been instrumental in the acceptance of the Sikh Religious Articles of Faith in many parts of the world, provides legal assistance in a vast array of cases involving discrimination against Sikhs, WSO's Intervention and assistance has been crucial to landmark decisions in the judiciary, supports educational and economic initiative by Sikhs around the world read more

Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion with over 25 million devotees worldwide. It is a monotheistic religion founded in 1469, by Guru Nanak. It holds as its basic tenets, the equality of mankind, the equality of men and women, and the fundamental equality of all religions. Guru Nanak rejected idolatry and the caste system, and taught that there is a universal, genderless and formless God, who is accessible equally to all, irrespective of their race or religion. read more

The five articles of faith inherent to the identity of a Sikh are commonly known as the five kakaar’s, or five k’s. An amritdhari Sikh (a practicing Sikh who has been initiated into the religion) is required to keep them on his/her person at all times. Each of the five k’s represents different aspects of the belief system of the Sikhs. They are the primary means of identifying a practicing Sikh, and are to be kept by both men and women. read more

With your involvement, the World Sikh Organization can make a difference. Please join us and help us accomplish our mission. read more

The Ontario Government has requested the public’s input on various issues related to Temporary Help Agencies. The Ontario chapter of the World Sikh Organization of Canada will be filing its submission to the Ministry of Labour and we encourage our community to share their experience/suggestions so that we can present our community’s perspective on this matter. Mr. Vic Dhillon, M.P.P. for Brampton West and Parliamentary Assistant to the Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister of Labour, has been assigned the task of collecting submissions from Ontarions. These will be considered to ensure that Ontario’s employment legislation reflects current conditions. Amanpreet Singh Bal has been assigned the task of coordinating WSO’s submission and will be working with WSO’s legal sub-committee. Any one wishing to provide their input for this submission or to share their experience can contact him at asinghbal@gmail.com. Read the various issues regarding the Temporary Help Agencies

Twenty four years ago in 1984, India’s armed forces launched an unprecedented assault on the Durbar Sahib, the most revered place of worship for Sikhs commonly known as the Golden Temple. The attack on the Durbar Sahib coincided with the attack on 39 other Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) throughout Punjab. Precisely "At Seven o’clock on the evening of 5th June, tanks of the 16th Cavalry Regiment of the Indian army started moving up to the Golden Temple complex” writes authors Mark Tully and Satish Jacob in their book titled "Amritsar - Mrs. Gandhi's Last Battle". The World Sikh Organizaton (WSO) commemorated this day at the Canadian Parliament on June 5th, 2008. Read the Justice, Dignity and Non-Violence versus Denumanized Politics Hon.David Kilgour J.D. June 5,2008

Sometimes it takes a special person to tell people in power to give their heads a shake. Marie Mundra is such a person. A 65 year old retiree, Marie took the time to provide valuable research and insight into the issue of whether turban wearing Sikhs should be exempt from mandatory helmet laws. In her open letter to the Canadian Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, News Editors and others, Marie provides compelling evidence of the incredible sacrifices made by Sikhs during both world wars. As she quite rightly points out, ironically ‘no-one insisted that they wear helmets’ when Sikhs fought in both world wars alongside their non-Sikh brethren. Thank you Marie, for setting an example for all of us, and reminding us of the responsibilities that we all have as concerned citizens to defend the rights of others. Read the Marie Mundra Her Educational Endeavours email