Article Added On: January 03, 2006 - over 6 years ago
Title: B.C. man asks leaders to speak up for Sikhs
Author: ROBERT MATAS
Publication: The Globe and Mail
Publication Date: January 01, 2006 - over 6 years ago
Faith Groups: Other
Themes: religion in politics

Abstract: THE ELECTION: The Undecided

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

VANCOUVER -- Voter: Bikramjit Singh Sandhar

Age: 39

Location: Riding of Fleetwood-Port Kells in Vancouver suburb of Surrey

Occupation: Licensed financial adviser, on unpaid leave as a letter carrier with Canada Post

Bikramjit Singh Sandhar remains indifferent to the election campaign. Despite the candidates' daily pronouncements, he remains blithely disengaged. He feels politicians are chasing their own agendas and not speaking about issues that are the most important to him.

It would be "really awesome," he said, if political leaders were to talk about how they would work to restore the reputation of Canada's Sikh community.

For years after the Air-India bombings in 1985, anyone with a turban and beard was considered violent, said Mr. Sandhar, who has been in Canada since 1969 and has worn a turban since 1993. Last spring, two defendants in the case were acquitted. Mr. Sandhar thinks a judicial inquiry should be appointed to find out what happened.

"It is very important they leave no stone unturned," he said. "[An inquiry] would be the best for everyone and everything would come out."

The NDP and Conservative Party have supported appointing a judicial inquiry into Air India; the Liberal government has refused. Mr. Sandhar feels an inquiry is important, but the Tory and NDP promises are not enough to sway his vote.

But he says he could be moved by promises to help change the perception of Sikhs.

"Sikhs are true to their religion and true to their country they live in. Sikhs are a great asset for any country," he said, but he feels the true image of Sikhs is not known in Canada.

But there is no unified Sikh vote, he notes; Sikh support can be found in every political party. He does not anticipate hearing his issue in this campaign.

This is part of a daily series looking at six undecided voters. We will check with them regularly to see how their impressions change during the election campaign.