Sikhs in Quebec

Passing of Bill 21, Banning Religious Symbols, A Sad Day for Quebec & Human Rights: World Sikh Organization

WSO Makes Submissions on Quebec’s Bill 21 Ban on Religious Symbols

WSO Expresses Disappointment Over Tabling of Quebec “Secularism” Bill

Sikhs Urge Dialogue to Promote Their Inclusion in Quebec

What was need to write book on Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha? [Bhai Ajmer Singh at Montreal]

Sikh author Bhai Ajmer Singh to Address Montreal Sikh Sangat on Aug. 19 & 20

Quebec Court denies helmet exception for Sikh workers

Man who attacked Toronto Sikh man in Quebec City gets 10 months in jail

Dera Pardon Issue: Ontario and Quebec Sikh bodies, Gurduara Committees take vital initiative

World Sikh Organization of Canada Offers Congratulations to Parti Libéral du Québec

NDP Multiculturalism Critic Andrew cash reacts to the tabling of the Charter of values

Quebec’s so-called Charter of values: Sikh body seeks Canadian PM Harper’s intervention

Parti Quebecois plays politics with Fundamental Freedoms: WSO

Sikh soldiers fought for our freedom and we’ll fight to protect theirs: NDP

Canadian minister wears a rumaal with Sikh symbol Khanda on new Twitter photo

PQ’s Charter of Values Unnecessary & Discriminatory: World Sikh Organization of Canada

Sikh Doctor Says Quebec Will Lose Ethnic Physicians If It Goes Ahead With Racist Proposal

Canadian Sikh body welcomes the lifting of Quebec Soccer Turban Ban

Quebec Soccer Federation officially lifts ban from Sikh turbans/ patkas/ keskis

World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomes clear turban directions from FIFA

Turban Ban on Soccer players in Quebec – FIFA Statement on head covers

WSO reacts to suspension of Quebec Soccer Federation

Canadian MP launches petition on FIFA Law 4 to allow Sikh children to play Soccer in Quebec

Quebec Soccer Federation decision to uphold turban ban unreasonable: WSO

Sikhs in Quebec

Canada: Peel Council Supports Motion to Oppose Quebec’s Bill 21

October 11, 2019

At its meeting on October 10th, Peel Regional Council unanimously passed a motion moved by Councillor Gurpreet Singh Dhillon to denounce Quebec’s Bill 21, which will ban religious articles of faith to be worn by anyone in a public service position.

Calgary City Council Passes Resolution Against Quebec’s Bill 21; WSO Welcomes Move

October 1, 2019

The World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomes the passing of a Resolution against Quebec’s Bill 21 by Calgary City Council. The Resolution states, “BE IT RESOLVED that Calgary City Council Oppose Quebec’s Bill 21 and continue to support building a welcoming city where everyone has access to opportunity and prosperity.”

WSO Joins Challenge to Québec’s An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State

August 20, 2019

The World Sikh Organization of Canada and its Vice-President for Québec, Amrit Kaur, announced on August 15 that they will be joining the legal challenge to Québec’s An Act respecting the laicity of the State.

Brampton Stands Up Against Quebec Bill 21’s Infringement of Religious Freedom

June 28, 2019

On Wednesday June 26th Brampton Council unanimously passed a motion to support the legal challenge against Quebec’s Bill 21. This discriminatory bill restricts the wearing of ‘religious symbols’ by public servants such as police officers, judges, prosecutors, school teachers, and principals, among others. Bill 21 particularly affects members of the Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faith who tend to wear very visible ‘religious symbols’.

US Sikh Body Expresses Concern Over Ban on Religious Symbols in Quebec

June 19, 2019

In response to the passing of Bill 21 by Quebec, which bans ban on religious clothing and symbols, a US based Sikh body called Sikh Sewak Society International USA said: [t]here are approx 15,000 Sikhs living in Quebec who will be impacted by the ban on religious clothing and symbols.

Passing of Bill 21, Banning Religious Symbols, A Sad Day for Quebec & Human Rights: World Sikh Organization

June 18, 2019

The World Sikh Organization of Canada is deeply saddened by the passing of Bill 21- An Act respecting the laicity of the State by the Coalition Avenir Quebec government banning the wearing of religious symbols. The Bill was passed in a rare late-night vote on Sunday after the Government of Quebec invoked closure to prematurely end debate.

WSO Makes Submissions on Quebec’s Bill 21 Ban on Religious Symbols

May 17, 2019

The World Sikh Organization of Canada has submitted its legal brief on Quebec’s Bill 21, "An Act respecting the laicity of the State", to the Quebec National Assembly’s Committee of Institutions. The Bill would ban the wearing of “religious symbols” for government employees in positions of authority such as judges, police officers, jail guards, teachers, principals and others.

WSO Expresses Disappointment Over Tabling of Quebec “Secularism” Bill

March 29, 2019

The World Sikh Organisation of Canada is deeply disappointed by the tabling of Bill 21- An Act respecting the laicity of the State today by the Coalition Avenir Quebec government banning the wearing of religious symbols.

Sikhs Urge Dialogue to Promote Their Inclusion in Quebec

August 21, 2018

World Sikh Organization of Canada today called upon the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec to work far harder to implement concrete measures to break down systemic barriers that make it difficult for Sikhs, and other minorities, to play their full role in Quebec society.

What was need to write book on Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha? [Bhai Ajmer Singh at Montreal]

October 14, 2017

This is video recording of speech of Bhai Ajmer Singh at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, LaSelle, Montreal, Quebec on September 20, 2017.

Sikh author Bhai Ajmer Singh to Address Montreal Sikh Sangat on Aug. 19 & 20

August 19, 2017

Sikh author Bhai Ajmer Singh, who is presently visiting Canada, will address the Sikh sangat at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, LaSalle, Montreal (Quebec) on August 19 and 20.

Quebec Court denies helmet exception for Sikh workers

September 23, 2016

As per media reports a Quebec judge has ruled Dastar (turban)-wearing Sikh truck drivers must wear hard hats (helmets) in the workplace, disallowing any exception in safety standards.

Man who attacked Toronto Sikh man in Quebec City gets 10 months in jail

July 1, 2016

The World Sikh Organization of Canada has called the sentencing of Gabriel Royer Tremblay a strong message that hateful and racist attacks will not be tolerated.

Dera Pardon Issue: Ontario and Quebec Sikh bodies, Gurduara Committees take vital initiative

October 13, 2015

In their attempt to represent Ontario and Qubec Sikh diaspora’s dissent against Jathedars’ decision to withdraw Hukumnama against controversial Dera Sauda Sirsa chief, Sikh organizations and Gurduara Committees of Ontario and Quebec took a vital initiative by passing three resolutions rejecting so-called pardon to dera chief.

World Sikh Organization of Canada Offers Congratulations to Parti Libéral du Québec

April 8, 2014

The World Sikh Organization of Canada has offered its congratulations to the Parti libéral du Québec for its resounding win in tonight’s provincial election.

NDP Multiculturalism Critic Andrew cash reacts to the tabling of the Charter of values

November 9, 2013

Ottawa, Canada (November 09, 2013): On November 08, 2013 in response to the Charter of Values being tabled in Quebec, Multiculturalism Critic Andrew Cash (Davenport) reaffirmed the NDP’s commitment to protect minority religious rights.

Quebec’s so-called Charter of values: Sikh body seeks Canadian PM Harper’s intervention

November 9, 2013

Amritsar, Punjab (November 09, 2013): The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) has termed the move by Canada’s Quebec province to ban religious symbols as “unjust” and appealed to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to intervene in the matter.

Parti Quebecois plays politics with Fundamental Freedoms: WSO

November 8, 2013

Ottawa (November 07, 2013): The World Sikh Organization is gravely concerned by the Parti Quebecois’ introduction today of the much criticized secular charter. Bill 60, previously referred to as the “Charter of Quebec Values”, was tabled today as the “Charter Affirming The Values Of Secularism And The Religious Neutrality Of The State, As Well As The Equality Of Men And Women, And The Framing Of Accommodation Requests”.

Sikh soldiers fought for our freedom and we’ll fight to protect theirs: NDP

September 19, 2013

Ottawa, Canada (September 19, 2013): As per a press release (dated: September 18, 2013), a copy of which is sent to the Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) by Amneet Singh (Press Secretary of New Democratic Party - NDP), [w]hile addressing growing concern about the PQ Charter of Values in Quebec, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair promised to fight against institutionalized discrimination in honour of Sikh Veterans.

Canadian minister wears a rumaal with Sikh symbol Khanda on new Twitter photo

September 16, 2013

Ontario, Canada (September 16, 2013): It is generally believed it's unlikely to be mere coincidence, Minister of Employment, Social Development & Multiculturalism Jason Kenney has changed his Twitter photo to one of him wearing a headcover/headscarf with “Khanda”, a Sikh symbol.

PQ’s Charter of Values Unnecessary & Discriminatory: World Sikh Organization of Canada

September 11, 2013

Ottawa, Canada (September 10, 2013): The World Sikh Organization of Canada is disappointed by the Parti Quebecois’ announcement today of its “Charter of Quebec Values.”

Sikh Doctor Says Quebec Will Lose Ethnic Physicians If It Goes Ahead With Racist Proposal

August 31, 2013

Montreal (August 31, 2013): Quebec will lose public employees including doctors if the government insists on banning religious symbols in the workplace, says a physician from Montreal’s Sikh community, reported Canadian Press.

Canadian Sikh body welcomes the lifting of Quebec Soccer Turban Ban

June 15, 2013

Ottawa (June 15, 2013): It was announced today by the Quebec Soccer Federation (QSF) that it will immediately lift its ban on the wearing of turbans by Sikh players. The World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomes the long overdue move and hopes Sikh children who had previously been excluded will now be given the chance to rejoin their friends on the pitch.

Quebec Soccer Federation officially lifts ban from Sikh turbans/ patkas/ keskis

June 15, 2013

Quebec/ Canada (June 15, 2013): According to a CTV news: “[a]dopting an apologetic tone, the Quebec Soccer Federation has lifted its ban on players wearing turbans, patkas and keskis on the pitch”. QSF director general Brigitte Frot reportedly announced the reversal of the contentious ban during a news conference on the morning of June 15, 2013.

World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomes clear turban directions from FIFA

June 14, 2013

WSO President Prem Singh Vinning said, “while it has been our position from the outset that the accommodation of the turban should not hinge on FIFA rules but instead on our Canadian rules and law and on our tradition of diversity and acceptance, this announcement is certainly good news. It is now absolutely clear that there should be no restriction on the wearing of the turban by Sikh players.”

Turban Ban on Soccer players in Quebec – FIFA Statement on head covers

June 14, 2013

Zurich, Switzerland (June 14, 2013): It is learnt that Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has sent a letter to the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) on 13 June 2013 to inform the CSA that: Following communication between the CSA and FIFA, the matter related to Law 4 – The Player’s Equipment, the use of head covers and the situation arisen within the CSA has been presented to the members of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for discussion.

WSO reacts to suspension of Quebec Soccer Federation

June 11, 2013

Ottawa (June 10, 2013): The World Sikh Organization of Canada reacts with sadness to the decision of the Canadian Soccer Association to suspend the Quebec Soccer Federation for their refusal to allow the wearing of Sikh turbans for soccer players. According to the CSA, the suspension will be lifted once the QSF ends its ban on the turban.

Canadian MP launches petition on FIFA Law 4 to allow Sikh children to play Soccer in Quebec

June 5, 2013

Ottawa, Canada (June 05, 2013) As per inforamtion, on June 04, 2013 Brampton Member of Parliament Parm Gill continued his call for the Quebec Soccer Federation’s to overturn its decision to ban turban-wearing players today, with the launch of a petition directed to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

Quebec Soccer Federation decision to uphold turban ban unreasonable: WSO

June 3, 2013

Ottawa (June 2, 2013): The World Sikh Organization of Canada is deeply saddened by a decision of the Quebec Soccer Federation’s (QSF) Board of Directors maintaining its prohibition on the wearing of turbans by Sikh players.