Racist Letters to Chilliwack Restaurant Owners Unacceptable

Surrey (March 5, 2013):  The World Sikh Organization of Canada expresses concern over recent racist emails sent to two Indian restaurants in Chilliwack British Columbia.  The emails read in part, "Chilliwack is not a place for you" and that Chillliwack doesn't "need the folk from India and Surrey to pollute this city."  In addition, restaurant owner Sumit Guladi’s home has twice been the target of vandalism in recent months. 

WSO British Columbia Vice President Gurdit Singh Rangi said, “this kind of racism is unacceptable in British Columbia or anywhere in Canada.  Chilliwack is a growing community with individuals of different cultures and faiths; these kinds of attitudes cannot be tolerated.”

WSO President Prem Singh Vinning said, “we’re glad to hear that the Chilliwack restaurant owners who were targeted have received widespread support from their local community. It’s important that all Canadians stand united against hatred.  We expect that the RCMP will fully investigate the emails and action will be taken against the writers.”

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs, 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