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Richelle Wiseman

On Holy Ground

March 24, 2008

Last week, the Mayor of Vancouver stood on the steps of a downtown Catholic church to make an imp... Read More

Underneath the Helmet Issue

March 07, 2008

It seems the only time we hear about Canada’s Sikh community in the media is when there is ... Read More

Ron Csillag

Brainwashing or simple parenting?

March 24, 2008

Children being raised in a religious environment is a volatile issue, at least to anti-theists. A... Read More

Lord’s Prayer

March 04, 2008

In Ontario’s it’s often the little things that kick up the biggest fuss. This time, i... Read More

Tip:

This year, several significant religious and cultural events fall on the same day. March 21 is the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racism. In the Christian tradition, this year it is also Good Friday where Christians commemorate Christ’s passion and death on the cross to pay for the world’s sins. Also this year, it is the Jewish holiday of Purim which celebrates victory over an oppressive ruler as related in the Book of Ester. Hindus will celebrate Holi on March 21 this year, which is a festival dedicated to Krishna. Baha’is and Zoroastrians will celebrate New Years Day on March 21 (Naw Ruz and Now Ruz). Finally, to cap off the significant events occuring on this day, there will also be a full moon.

Article Details

Article Added On: January 03, 2006 - over 2 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 2 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.

Feature