The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, made the following statement:
"Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world come together to celebrate Vaisakhi, marking the institution of the Khalsa.
The Khalsa, the first community of initiated Sikh believers, came to be through the efforts of the founder of the order, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, at the end of the 17th century.
Vaisakhi celebrations are a reminder of the foundations of Sikhism, especially the moral values of respect, equality, integrity, selflessness and courage. It is also a gathering that highlights the core principles of the faith: a humble way of life centred on love, family and altruism; integrity in one's life pursuits, whether at work or elsewhere; and a commitment to community involvement, including dedicating one's free time to supporting those who are more vulnerable.
By ensuring that the people around them have their essential needs met through donations or service, Sikhs support the less fortunate in their society through the practice of seva. Across the country, Sikh Canadians embody compassion and a deep desire to help those in need.
As people in this community prepare to celebrate Vaisakhi, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every person in Canada can freely and safely practise their religion.
On the feast of Vaisakhi, I'd like to offer my best wishes to everyone celebrating.
Vaisakhi diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan!"
