WSO Offers Condolences on the Passing of Jack Layton

Ottawa (August 22, 2011):  The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) offers its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Hon. Jack Layton.  Mr. Layton passed away early this morning of cancer at the age of 61. 

WSO President Prem Singh Vinning said, "Jack Layton's passing is a loss for all Canadians.  I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Layton on several occasions and was always impressed by his sincerity and dedication.  Mr. Layton stood with Canadian Sikhs when it mattered, whether it was defending the right of Canadian Sikhs to wear the kirpan, or raising a voice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh genocide or whether it was demanding a public apology for the Komagata Maru tragedy.  Jack Layton's courage will serve as an inspiration for many years to come."

WSO Senior Policy Advisor Gian Singh Sandhu said, "Jack Layton's commitment to human rights and social justice were exemplary.  He had the courage to speak out when others did not.  Canadian Sikhs had a true friend in Jack Layton and he will be sorely missed."

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.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Gian Singh Sandhu, Senior Policy Advisor, 604-341-2755, [email protected]

Balpreet Singh, Legal Counsel, 416-904-9110, [email protected]