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April 13th, 2012

Statement by NDP leader Thomas Mulcair on Vaisakhi

Vahiguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Vahiguru Ji Ki Fateh!

With an open heart, I want to wish you all a very happy Vaisakhi.

Building communities, working hard, sharing the fruits of our labour—these are central New Democratic values as well as Canadian values. And so I have deep and abiding respect for the tenets of Kirt Karna, Vand Shukna, Naam Japna, and Seva..

Today, I am feeling so grateful for Jack Layton’s unflagging efforts to build enduring bonds of respect with the Sikh community. I am committed to continuing our friend’s work. And each year at this time, as a token of that commitment, I would like to reach out with a Vaisaikhi gift, however modest.

This year, my gift is my concrete resolve to redress a historic wrong: the 1914 internment of hundreds of passengers aboard the Komagata Maru. Through sober persuasion and a major petition campaign, New Democrats will not rest until an apology is heard on the floor of the House of Commons.

For more than 100 years, Sikhs have enriched Canada is their pursuit of peace, justice, freedom and prosperity. This year, may Canada’s government honour that contribution by speaking the words that must be spoken—planting new seeds for the next phase of our growth together as Canadians.

Once again, on behalf of all New Democrats, Happy Vaisakhi!

Tuhanoo subh noo, Vaisakhi dee lakh lakh vadhaee hove ji.

Vahiguru Ji Ka Khalsa!

Vahiguru Ji Ki Fateh!