Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal lauds all-party ‘Vaisakhi motion’ in the House of Commons

For Immediate Release

(OTTAWA) Sukh Dhaliwal, the Associate Opposition Critic for Multiculturalism, Seniors and the Status of Women, celebrated the passing of a motion in the House of Commons yesterday which acknowledges the significance of Vaisakhi and celebrates the “five Ks” of Sikhism.

“One of my first initiatives here in the House was to get this done,” Dhaliwal said, speaking from the lobby of the House of Commons. “I had drafted a Private Member’s bill which articulated the points of this motion. Now to see it gain all-party support makes me very hopeful about how this House can work together in the coming months.”

The motion speaks of recognizing “the important contribution that Canadian Sikhs have made to Canada” and formally acknowledges “the values of co-operation, justice, equality and freedom as central to human dignity.” Vaisakhi, in its celebration of these tenets, provides a paradigm in which multiculturalism initiatives can play a significant role in articulating the values and aspirations of all Canadians.

“I’m just glad we were back in the House at the right time for this festival,” Dhaliwal added. “The election seems like a long time ago now, and I’m eager to get some work done here. This is a great start.”

Both chambers, the Commons and the Senate, will break for the holiday period which includes Vaisakhi, Easter, Passover and Eid-E-Miladunabi. Dhaliwal hopes to attend a broad range of events during this period and to expand upon his network of stakeholders in the multiculturalism portfolio.

“I believe this work is at the forefront in defining the future of Canada,” Dhaliwal said. “I look forward to hearing from all my constituents and all the new colleagues and friends I have made with these new responsibilities.”

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John Delacourt
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