As WSO’s legal counsel, 2018 has been a year filled with challenges and successes.

This year, as in past years, we helped many Sikhs from across Canada deal with issues at work, school and elsewhere with respect to their articles of faith.

We stand strong, together.

And, with that strength, we never compromise on our principles. 

Since December 11, 2018, when the Government of Canada's Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada included Sikhs as one of the top 5 terrorist threats in Canada today, we have been working hard with community partners to challenge this unfounded maligning of our community. 

I am always amazed when looking back on the month that was and seeing all the great work we accomplished over the previous 4 weeks.

It is sometimes tough to notice how much is being accomplished as you are in the thick of things and working hard with a wonderful team of staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters.

Never forget the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

The 1984 Sikh Genocide, in which thousands of innocent Sikh men, women, and children were brutally attacked and murdered across India, was one of the darkest chapters in modern Indian history.

September was a busy month.

I started off in Manitoba, taking part in the Winnipeg Nagar Kirtan with our local team, educating the community on essential social services available to us and the role the Sikh Family Helpline plays in connecting those in need with service providers.

I then found myself on the road again with our legal counsel Balpreet Singh, spending a week in Ottawa meeting key stakeholders, politicians, and government officials to discuss a variety of issues, such as the Afghan Sikh refugee file, Government of India interference in Sikh Canadian affairs, and the thoughts of Sikh Canadians across this country.

4 years ago the WSO made a conscious decision - to invest in our youth in a meaningful and tangible way.

In 2015 the Sikh Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) was born.

This August we saw another successful batch of incredibly smart Sikh youth from across Canada pass through SYLI in Ottawa. 

Sikh advocacy matters.

It contributes to democracy, leads to global change, and builds capacity in our community. 

For Afghan Sikhs, it is the difference between life and death. 

19 are dead in the July,1 2018 suicide bombing in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

WSO is calling upon the community to contact their local representatives. Devastation and sadness cannot be our only response; it must be followed by action.

Dear supporters,              

I am pleased to share the World Sikh Organization of Canada’s 2017 Annual Report with you, our friends and partners.

2017 was a milestone year for WSO and the Canadian Sikh community with our involvement in Canada 150 celebrations from coast to coast, a conscious effort to recognize the Indigenous communities, breakthroughs on wearing of the kakaars and a renewed focus on community initiatives.   

Today we mark the anniversary of the murder of Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke on January 1, 1993.

Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, was tortured to death in custody by the Indian police on January 1, 1993.  Jathedar Kaunke had been serving in his role since January 1986 and was widely respected by all sides in Punjab.  He was a voice of reason and principle and had an unblemished and towering character