Anti-Sikh sentiment in Canada
Within Canada, anti-Sikh sentiment has included hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Canadian Sikhs as a religious and ethnic group. This form of racism has affected Sikhs in the country since Canada's Sikh community was established in 1897.[1][2]
Background
[edit]
Anti-Sikh sentiment in Canada has a historical and contemporary presence marked by several key events and ongoing issues. Early instances include the 1907 Bellingham Race Riot, where South East Asian and South Asian immigrants, mostly Sikhs, were violently targeted by white mobs in Washington, U.S., spilling over into Canadian anti-immigrant sentiments and the Pacific Northwest.[3][4][5]
The 1914 Komagata Maru incident incident further highlighted this sentiment when 376 Indian passengers, mostly Sikhs, were denied entry into Canada and forced to return to India, where many faced persecution.[6]
During the late 20th and early 21st century, Canadian Sikhs have experienced increased racism and hate crimes particularly with those whose who have a turban and beard.[7] This includes key events such as the 1990 Herman Bittner calendar controversy, the 1999 murder of a Sikh caretaker by Neo-Nazis, aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the ongoing vandalisms of Sikh Gurdwaras and the controversial Quebec Bill 21.
Most recently due to high levels of immigration from India to Canada, it has led to increased sentiment against Sikhs as well as other religious communities.[8][9]
Early 20th century
[edit]1907: Disenfranchisement of Asian immigrants
[edit]
In 1907, British Columbia enacted legislation that disenfranchised Asian immigrants, including Sikhs, reflecting the widespread anti-Asian sentiment of the period. These laws were part of a broader strategy to limit the political, economic, and social integration of Asian communities within Canadian society. This was called the Asiatic Exclusion League (AEL) the aimed to prevent immigration of people of Asian origin.
After the Bellingham race riot on September 5, 1907, many Sikh mill workers took refuge in Vancouver, British Columbia.[11] As South Asian and Sikh refugees arrived in Vancouver, AEL organizers pressed forward with a plan to march through the streets, waving signs and flags that called for “A White Canada.”[12][13]
In 1911, Dr Sunder Singh, a medical doctor addressed the Canadian Club in Toronto, Ontario alleging that Canada's discrimination against the Sikhs was an injustice to them and to the British Empire. Singh argued the case that Sikh men were not allowed to bring their wives and children to Canada,[14] only were able to travel through one direct steamer and were required to have four times the money than of the Japanese immigrants.[15][16] In a 1911 newspaper release The Toronto World reported "They (Sikhs) are required to have $200 each as against $50 from the Mongolians. Ruthenians, Galicians, Doukhobors, Polacks and other foreign peoples are admitted without restriction." [17]
British Officer Andrew Fraser criticized the treatment of Sikhs in Canada as "scandalous" and suggested that recognizing their rights and providing fair and equal treatment as British subjects could help reduce unrest in India.[15] Senator James Douglas addressing a similar issue, also condemned British Columbia's treatment of Sikhs, stating that it was "unchristian, un-British, and ungrateful," particularly given the Sikh contributions to the British Empire.[18]
1914: Komagata Maru Incident
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The Komagata Maru incident of 1914 is a poignant example of racial discrimination and xenophobia in early 20th-century Canada. The Japanese steamship SS Komagata Maru, which departed from Hong Kong and arrived in Vancouver on May 23, 1914, was carrying 376 passengers, predominantly Sikh immigrants from the Punjab region of British India.[6] Despite their lawful status as British subjects, the passengers were barred from disembarking due to Canada's restrictive immigration policies aimed at preventing non-European immigrants from entering the country.[19][20]
The Canadian government's refusal to allow the ship's passengers to land was a manifestation of the broader racial prejudices of the time. After two months of being held in harsh conditions aboard the ship, the Komagata Maru was forced to return to India. Upon arrival in Calcutta, the passengers were met with hostility from British colonial authorities, resulting in violent reprisals, imprisonment, and the deaths of several individuals.[21]
In 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologised for the for incident, but many in the local Sikh community refused to accept it and requested it should have been made at the House of Commons.[22] This then took place in 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government formally apologized for the incident, acknowledging the injustices faced by the passengers and marked an official recognition of this chapter in Canadian history.[23][24][25]
Labour market restrictions
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Throughout the early 20th century, Sikhs, along with other Asian immigrants, faced significant obstacles in the labour market. They were often confined to low-paying, menial jobs and encountered hostility and discrimination from white labour unions. Exclusionary policies and societal prejudices restricted their employment opportunities, limiting them to sectors like agriculture, lumber mills, and railway construction, where they endured harsh working conditions and exploitation. This systemic discrimination not only hindered their economic prospects but also reinforced broader societal biases, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization and inequality for Asian communities in North America.[26][27]
Propaganda and public sentiment
[edit]During the early 20th century, some newspapers and political figures portrayed Sikhs and other Asian immigrants as challenges to Canadian society, economy and the demography. These portrayals may have contributed to the public opposition towards Sikhs and other South Asians.[28] However, some politicians, such as Senator James Douglas, expressed favourable views toward Sikh migrants in Canada.
Between 1910 and 1920, a fall in almost half the number of the 2,000 Indians in Canada, many of whom were Sikhs, was a result of the racism they faced, intention to reunify with family members who migrated to America and for economic opportunities.[29][30]
Mid 20th century
[edit]During the mid-20th century, Sikhs in Canada faced pervasive racism and discrimination, reflecting the broader challenges of immigrant communities in a society that was often unwelcoming to visible minorities.[31][32] Common insults such as 'raghead' have been used for turbaned wearing Sikhs.[33] Despite their contributions to the country, Sikhs were frequently marginalized, encountering significant barriers to employment, housing, and social acceptance.[34]
In the late 1970s, some leaders of Toronto's Sikh community warned there would be racial riots unless there people get more police protection due to increasing number of incidents outside a Sikh Temple. However, Chairman of Toronto's Study Group on Human Relations and Former Member of Parliament, Walter Pitman said that "racist attacks were declining".[35]
1970-1980
[edit]1971 Khalsa Diwan Gurdwara Incident
[edit]In 1971, Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver Gurdwara in Downtown Vancouver was defaced with obscenities. A fight erupted afterwards amongst the Sikh congregation and the perpetrators leading to injuries.[31]
Late 20th century
[edit]1980–1990
[edit]1981 Vancouver Assault
[edit]Two Sikh men, Gordon Kooner and his friend who wears a turban, were in a gas station when Thomas Henry Burris made racial insults towards his friend. Kooner intervened which resulted in him being physically assaulted. Following the event, Burris was later sent to prison for two years.[36]
1985 Air India Flight 182 aftermath
[edit]After the aftermath of Air India Flight 182, hostility towards Sikhs in Canada increased significantly, driven by a surge in suspicion and prejudice against the community. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Sikhs across the country experienced heightened discrimination and racism. Many faced harassment in public spaces. The media's portrayal of Sikhs often unfairly linked the community with violence and extremism, which further deepened public mistrust. Despite the Sikh community's widespread condemnation of the attack, they faced a challenging period marked by fear, prejudice, and social marginalization in Canada.[37][better source needed]
1990–2000
[edit]1999 Sikh caretaker murder
[edit]In 1999, five white supremacists in British Columbia were sentenced for the killing of 65-year-old Sikh caretaker Nirmal Singh Gill. Lee Nikkel, 18, and Robert Kluch, 26, received 15-year sentences plus 18 months already served, for initiating and carrying out the attack. Radoslaw Synderek, 24, Daniel Miloszewski, 22, and Nathan LeBlanc, 27, were each sentenced to 12 years. Judge William Stewart condemned the crime as repugnant and racially motivated, hoping the sentences would deter violent hate crimes. The Sikh community and friends of Gill viewed the sentencing as justice served.[38][39]
21st century
[edit]2000–2010
[edit]2005 Vancouver soccer incident
[edit]In 2005, at a junior soccer tournament in Vancouver, Gurindar Durah, a Sikh player, was barred from the soccer match for wearing his patka, a religious turban. This decision led to Durah's ejection and his team, Northwest United, walking out in protest. Durah's coach, Mario Moretti supported his decision, stating that the tournament ended for them once the referee made that ruling.[40]
2010–2020
[edit]2012 Neo-Nazi racial attack
[edit]On March 24, two Sikh men were attacked outside an Edmonton, Alberta liquor store after a rally by the members Bernard “Bernie” Miller and Kyle McKee of the white supremacist group Blood & Honour. One of the men was subjected to racial slurs inside the store and was then confronted and assaulted as he exited. During the attack, one assailant struck the victim in the head with a full bottle of alcohol and the broken glass was used to stab him.[41]
2015 Edmonton, Alberta gurdwara vandalism
[edit]In January 2015, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in South Edmonton was vandalized with racist graffiti, including the phrase "Leave Canada." The gurdwara's management is addressing the incident, emphasizing education and community outreach as ways to combat ignorance. Community members were urged to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity around gurdwaras to the authorities.[42][43]
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2015 Harjit Sajjan racially abused
[edit]In November 2015, Sikh MP Harjit Sajjan, who was newly appointed as Minister of National Defence, faced racist abuse on social media. The incident occurred on the Canadian Forces' Facebook page, particularly on the French-language version, where derogatory comments were made by a few military personnel, including a Warrant Officer from CFB Valcartier.[44]
The Canadian Forces quickly deleted the comments and launched an investigation, reiterating that racism and discrimination have no place in the military. The incident gained significant media attention, both in Canada and India, highlighting the challenges of racism within the armed forces.[45]
2016 Quebec City assault
[edit]In April 2016, Supninder Singh Khehra, a Sikh man from Toronto, was attacked in Quebec City, Quebec by Gabriel Royer-Tremblay in a racially motivated assault. The attack, which was recorded on video, involved Khehra being punched, kicked, and having his turban knocked off. The incident sparked national outrage, including condemnation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Royer-Tremblay was sentenced to ten months in jail for the assault and related offences.[46][47]
2016 Calgary, Alberta gurdwara vandalism
[edit]On December 23, 2016, a Sikh gurdwara in Calgary, Canada, was vandalized in an incident that shocked the local Sikh community. The outer walls and doors of the Gurdwara were defaced with racist graffiti, including a swastika, a smiling face, and profane messages, spray-painted by unknown perpetrators. This act of vandalism, which took place in the early hours of the morning, was widely condemned by community leaders and organizations.[48]
2017 Jagmeet Singh racially abused
[edit]During a public event in Brampton, Ontario, a heckler hurled racist comments at Canadian Sikh politician Jagmeet Singh, accusing him of supporting Sharia law and being a Muslim. Despite her outburst, the heckler later claimed she was not racist. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted ongoing issues of racism and ignorance.[49]
On October 2, 2019, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh was confronted by a man in Montreal, Quebec who told him to “Cut your turban off.” Singh put one hand on the man's shoulder and responded: “I think Canadians look like all sorts of people. That's the beauty of Canada.”[50]
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2018 Kelowna, British Columbia gurdwara vandalism
[edit]On November 21, 2018, members of the Gurdwara Guru Amardas Darbar Sikh Society in Kelowna, British Columbia discovered racist graffiti scrawled on the wall of their Gurdwara.[51][52]
Amanpreet Singh Hundal, B.C. vice-president of the World Sikh Organization, expressed surprise and disappointment that such an event could occur in 2018. Despite the shock, community leaders viewed the incident as an opportunity to promote education and strengthen connections with the broader Kelowna community. The racist vandalism was widely condemned, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of ignorance and fear that minority communities continue to face.[53]
2018 incident at Tignish, Prince Edward Island Legion
[edit]In January 2018, a Sikh man named Jaswinder Singh Dhaliwal was asked to remove his turban, while visiting a Royal Canadian Legion branch in Tignish, Prince Edward Island. The incident, which included racist remarks and threats from other patrons, was a result of a misunderstanding of the legion's headgear policy, which exempts religious garments. Legion president, Stephen Gallant later issued an apology.[54]
2020–present
[edit]2021 Edmonton Gurdwara Harassment
[edit]In July 2021, Edmonton's Singh Sabha Gurdwara faced months of targeted harassment, including racist phone calls and the delivery of meat to the Gurdwara's doorstep intended to insult the Sikh community. This led local political leaders and Sikh representatives to call for stronger action against hate crimes. The incident was investigated further by the Edmonton Police Service and anti-racism advocacy groups.[55][56][57]
2021 Brampton, Ontario school vandalism
[edit]In December 2021, in Brampton, Ontario, the Brampton Khalsa Montessori School was targeted with hateful graffiti against Sikhs, defacing the front of a ground-floor business beneath the school with offensive messages.[58]
2022 Ron Banerjee comments
[edit]On June 29, 2022, in a video on the YouTube channel 'Beat of the North,' Ron Banerjee, director of the Canadian Hindu Advocacy, was recorded expressing hateful remarks, stating he supports the killings of Muslims and Sikhs in India because "they deserve to die," while discussing unfavourable opinions about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[59]
2023 Kelowna, British Columbia assault
[edit]On March 20, 2023, a Sikh international student was swarmed and beaten by a group of people who ripped off his turban and dragged him across the sidewalk by his hair in Kelowna, British Columbia.[60]
2024 Peterborough, Ontario Assault
[edit]As reported by The Peterborough Examiner in July 2024, Peterborough Police are classifying an incident as a hate crime after a Sikh man was allegedly assaulted and has his turban knocked off by four youths. Another man who intervened was also assaulted by the youngsters. In the scuffle, police said "another person knocked the turban from the man's head and stepped on it." The man who was wearing the turban was treated by paramedics at the scene.[61][62]
2024 St John's, Newfoundland Assault
[edit]On August 11, 2024, Taranpreet Singh, a 21-year-old student, was subjected to a racist attack at Sunshine Rotary Park in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. While walking with his cousin and a friend, a man passed by and gave death threats to drown them. When Singh and his group asked why he made such a threat, the man launched into a racist tirade, calling them "dirbag raghead" — a derogatory term often used against Sikh men who wear turbans. He also accused them of "taking over" his country and claimed they were taking money from the government.[63]
Distribution of anti-Sikh materials
[edit]In the 1980s, B'nai Brith Canada launched a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission in an attempt to remove lapel pins, which were perceived as racist. The pins included a turbaned Sikh, an Oriental in a Chinese Coolie hat and semi-clothed black man holding a spear all staring at a white male with the inscription below "Who is the minority in Canada?".[64]
In the 1990s, both authorities in Winnipeg and Calgary considered criminal charges against Herman Bittner who created and distributed an anti-Sikh calendar that portrayed a turbaned Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer alongside the derogatory question, "Is this Canadian, or does this make you Sikh?" The calendar, produced by Herman Bittner of Langdon, stirred significant controversy and concerns about inciting hatred. The calendar's distribution and the offensive portrayal prompted meetings between justice officials and Sikh representatives, who emphasized the need for legal action to address and curb such actions.[65][66][67]
In April 2014, Brampton residents expressed anger over a flyer distributed by Immigration Watch Canada targeting the Sikh community. The flyer, named “The Changing Face of Brampton,” featured contrasting images of white people and Sikhs, alongside a message suggesting that declining percentages of "mainstream Canadians" in Brampton was due to immigration.[68]
A similar incident occurred in September 2016, where the University of Alberta removed racist posters from its campus. The posters, which featured an image of a Sikh man in a yellow turban alongside a derogatory message, were discovered in multiple locations, including the main library. The university promptly addressed the situation and took down all twelve posters that were found.[69]
Role of the media
[edit]In 2005, the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) censored Montreal's CKAC station for airing "abusive" remarks by psychiatrist Pierre Mailloux, who referred to Sikhs as a "the Sikhs are a gang, a gang of bozos".[70] The CBSC, responding to complaints about the "insulting racism" of Mailloux's comments, ordered the station to issue a full apology. The panel noted that while Mailloux was entitled to his views on general immigration issues, his specific targeting of the Sikh community crossed the line and was unacceptable.
The Broadbent Institute who run the PressProgress have claimed in 2024 that the Canadian Far-Right have been responsible in the targeting of Sikh and other South Asians Canadians through incitement of xenophobia. PressProgress and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network have argued that the Canadian Far-Right have particularly blamed Indo-Canadian Sikh men.[71]
Social Media
[edit]In 2021, Jagmeet Singh attended a virtual Sikh Heritage Month event hosted by the Peel District School Board, which was disrupted by individuals attempting to join with racist and discriminatory usernames targeting Sikh and other minorities. The school board blocked the individuals and launched an investigation.[72]
In 2024, a woman in Chilliwack, British Columbia was criminally charged with hate crimes following an investigation into “racially offensive social media content” amid a series of incidents targeting the Sikh community and other Indo-Canadians on social media platform, X.[73]
Role of Politicians
[edit]In 2019, Jagmeet Singh, MP and NDP Leader, was targeted in a racist tweet by a People's Party of Canada (PPC) candidate Mark Friesen. The tweet depicted Singh's turban, as a bomb with a lit fuse, sparking widespread condemnation including from Canadian Anti-Hate Network.[74]
In July 2021, an affidavit filed in court alleged that People's Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier made a racist remark about NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, saying Singh would "never get elected with that rag on his head." Bernier denied the accusation, stating that this was the only eyewitness account of him supposedly making a racist comment and accused political strategist Warren Kinsella of orchestrating a defamation campaign against him.[75] In November 2021, Ontario Court dismissed Bernier's defamation lawsuit for failing anti-SLAPP screening test.[76][77]
Employment issues
[edit]In the late 1980s, Baltej Dhillon faced opposition when he applied to become an RCMP officer and requested to wear a turban as part of his uniform,. This was against the RCMP's dress code at the time. Despite public pressure, internal politics and even death threats aimed at Dhillon, the government changed the policy in 1990, allowing Dhillon and other Sikh officers to wear turbans.[78][79]
In 2012, Gurmukh Singh a driver for Aaroport Limousine Services alleged they cut him off for refusing to trim or tie back his religiously prescribed facial hair. This was settled in 2013, with agreement that Sikh drivers were no longer prohibited from maintaining untied beards under employment from Aaroport.[80]
In 2019, Bill 21 in Quebec prevented Sikh workers, particularly those wearing of religious articles such as turbans and kirpans in the workplace.[81] This law has prompted legal challenges and debates regarding religious freedom and secularism in Quebec.
Organisations
[edit]Canada's anti-racism strategy
[edit]It was announced during Sikh Heritage Month in 2024 by MP Kamal Khera of the Department of Canadian Heritage, that the Canadian Government will be putting forwards their first ever Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada's first Action Plan on Hate.[82]
World Sikh Organization
[edit]The World Sikh Organization (WSO) is a non-profit organisation and was founded in 1984 in Canada in response to the anti-Sikh violence in India, particularly the events surrounding Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms.[83] Established by Sikh leaders, it was created to protect and promote the interests of Sikhs globally.[84][85]
Over the years, the WSO has played a significant role in advocating for Sikh rights, religious freedoms, and combating anti-Sikh hate in Canada.
In the 1990s, WSO was involved in the case of Baltej Singh Dhillon in his fight to wear a turban as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.[86][87]
In 2006, WSO acted as legal interveners in the case of Multani v Commission scolaire Marguerite‑Bourgeoys to allow Sikh students to wear Kirpans in public schools. The Supreme Court of Canada made a decision that was unanimous and held that there was no evidence that the kirpan posed a safety risk.[88]
In 2019, during the ongoing debate over Bill 21 in Quebec, the WSO were involved in a legal case World Sikh Organization of Canada v. Attorney General of Québec. It had been concluded that Québec's Court of Appeal upheld the legislation.[89][90][91] Many of the challenges and events following Bill 21 are still being legally addressed by the WSO.[92]
Events
[edit]All Canada Sikh Convention (1983)
[edit]In 1983, the All Canada Sikh Convention (ACSC) in Ottawa, Ontario took place which had focus on "racial discrimination" against the Sikh community. The ACSC alleged they had documented over 100 incidents over the three previous years.[93]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Singh, Simranjeet (11 June 2012). "Islamophobia, Sikhophobia and Media Profiling". Huffington Post.
- ^ "Sikhophobia". Harvard University.
- ^ Dutt, Nirupama (1 September 2017). "110 years after racial riots against early Sikh immigrants, an Arch of Healing in US city". Hindustan Times.
This has been reported by the Bellingham Herald newspaper which incidentally had also reported the 1907 riots. At that time the early Sikh immigrants were termed Hindus and the banner headline of the daily on September 5, 1907, cried out, Hindus hounded from city, with the subhead saying, Mob drives foreigners from lodging houses and mills.
- ^ Englesberg, Paul (1 January 2015). "The 1907 Bellingham Riot and Anti-Asian Hostilities in the Pacific Northwest". Walden University.
if something were not done soon the agitation started in Bellingham would spread all over the Sound country and massacres of the Eastern aliens was likely to result. Fowler was one of the speakers in Vancouver and some blamed him and League organizers from the U.S. for setting off the riot in Canada.
- ^ Ledger-Lomas, Michael. "If These Streets Could Talk: White Riot: The 1907 Anti-Asian Riots in Vancouver". Library Review of Canada.
This hate speech reflected a broader phenomenon, as the retired professor Paul Englesberg shows in his contribution to the book. The mob had listened that Saturday night to A. E. Fowler, an activist from Seattle who gave an "impassioned speech," in which he invoked a riot against Sikh workers in Bellingham, Washington, just days earlier. Beyond the West Coast, white supremacism existed throughout the British Empire — personified by the presence of a New Zealand clergyman at the league's meeting
- ^ a b "Komagata Maru incident (1914)". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ Sian, Katy (2017). Surveillance, Islamophobia, and Sikh Bodies in the War on Terror. Vol. 4. Center for Race and Gender, University of California, Berkeley. p. 4.
Both the US and Canada have seen a sharp increase of hate crimes waged against the Sikh population who have been 'mistakenly' targeted in racist attacks directed at Muslims – for example the first person to be killed in a 'revenge attack' following 9/11 was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh turbaned man in Arizona
- ^ Bhattacharyya, Anirudh (2 August 2024). "Rising anti-immigration sentiment in Canada targets Indian and Sikh communities". Hindustan Times.
As sentiment in Canada against high levels of immigration continues to rise, shades of xenophobia targeting the largest cohort of newcomers, those from India and particularly Sikhs, have become evident.
- ^ Paperny, Anna (6 September 2024). "Backlash against immigrants challenges Canada's welcoming image". Reuters.
He described the situation as an eye-opener for Sikhs in Sudbury. However, he said, the case wasn't an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing wave of hateful incidents directed against the South Asian community.
- ^ Hickman, Pamela (2014). "3: Unwelcome in Canada". Righting Canada's Wrongs: The Komagata Maru: and Canada's Anti-Indian Immigration Policies in the Twentieth Century (illustrated ed.). James Lorimer & Company. p. 38. ISBN 9781459404373.
- ^ "The 1907 Bellingham Riots: News Coverage 1907-2007". Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project. University of Washington. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
- ^ Centre, BC Labour Heritage (23 May 2018). "The Asiatic Exclusion League Riot, 1907". BC Labour Heritage Centre.
- ^ Vancouver Courier (August 31, 2007). "Two-day conference examines city's 1907 race riot". canada.com. Archived from the original on 2012-11-04.
- ^ "Should Admit Sikh Women". The Toronto World. 29 May 1912. p. 8.
- ^ a b "Injustice to Sikhs and The Empire". The Toronto World. 29 December 1911. p. 2.
- ^ "Feels for Poor Sikhs". The Morning Leader. 30 December 1911. p. 11.
- ^ "The Sikhs in Canada". The Toronto World. 1 January 1911. p. 6.
They are required to have $200 each as against $50 from the Mongolians. Ruthenians, Galicians, Doukhobors, Polacks and other foreign peoples are admitted without restriction. Worst of all the Sikhs already in Canada were not allowed by the late government to have their wives and children. This is being remedied by the present administration."
- ^ "Hindus In Canada Are Ill Treated". The Saskatoon Phoneix. 2 June 1913. p. 1.
Senator Douglas said he had been in India many years and had personal experience of the Sikhs. The actions of British Columbia toward the Sikhs was unchristian, un-British, and ungrateful. The Sikhs were splendid men who had fought for the British flag. To inflict upon these men the cruelty of depriving them of the association of their wives was a thing unworthy of any part of the British Empire.
- ^ "Komagata Maru". www.bhagatsinghthind.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ^ Wilford, Timothy (2011). Canada's Road to the Pacific War [Canada's Road to the Pacific War]. UBC Press (published 12 September 2011). p. 29. ISBN 9780774821247.
Anti-Sikh Racism reached its peak in 1914 when Sikhs arriving by ship were denied entry to the Vancouver Harbour: their ship, the Komagata Maru
- ^ Chang, Kornel (2012). Pacific Connections. University of California Press. p. 147. ISBN 9780520271692.
- ^ Husser, Amy (17 May 2016). "Komagata Maru apology: Ship's story represents 'dark chapter' of Canada's past". CBC.
Many in attendance immediately rejected the apology, saying it needed to be done on the floor of the House of Commons. The Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation, which organized Harper's appearance, had made it very clear only a formal apology would be acceptable, Thind says.
- ^ "Gurpreet Singh: Komagata Maru apology campaigners gearing up to thank Trudeau at the annual festival in Surrey". August 2019.
- ^ "PM to offer full apology for Komagata Maru incident". April 11, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
- ^ "City of New Westminster Apology to the Community, Families and Descendants of the Komagata Maru" (PDF). City of New Westminster Archive Files. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
- ^ Ward, W Peter (1978). White Canada Forever: Popular Attitudes and Public Policy Toward Orientals in British Columbia.
The exclusion of Orientals from labor unions and their relegation to menial, low-paying jobs was a consequence of widespread prejudice and discriminatory policies. These measures were intended to maintain racial purity and protect white workers from competition
- ^ Singh, Harbhajan (1983). Canada's Sikhs: Autobiography of Harbhajan Singh.
Sikhs, like other South Asians, were systematically excluded from many areas of employment and were often forced into the most menial and dangerous jobs. They faced hostility from white workers and labor unions, who saw them as a threat to their economic security
- ^ Hyde, David (7 March 2017). "Eerie parallels between 1907 Bellingham riots and anti-Sikh hate in 2017". KUOW.
- ^ Keshen, Jeff (1999). Propaganda and Censorship During Canada's Great War. University of Alberta. p. 102. ISBN 9780888642790.
Through contacts with the Immigration Branch, Chambers kept close tabs on developments within Canada's 2,000 strong East Indian community (a number halved in less than a decade due to racism as well as the desire of these people to re-unite with family members who had emigrated to America, where, they also felt, better economic opportunities awaited.
- ^ "Hindus In Canada Are Ill Treated". The Saskatoon Phonix. 2 June 1913. p. 1.
More than half of the Sikhs have already left Canada.
- ^ a b Sagi, Douglas (8 March 1975). "Trying to Take Us at Our World". The Calgary Herald.
- ^ Coyle, Jim (27 Jan 2018). "Sikh immigrant's story is as Canadian as chaat, dal and paneer". Toronto Star.
Sandhu recalls being told once, across a table, that with his turban and beard he looked like Iran's late Ayatollah Khomeini.
- ^ "Racism Viewed as Constant Threat to East Indians". The Calgary Herald. 9 January 1981. p. 14.
- ^ "Council of Sikh Affairs" (PDF). University of Toronto.
Over the last forty-one years, the Sikhs in Ontario have faced hardships in practicing their faith at their workplace. In 1975, a Sikh gentleman was refused employment because he was wearing a turban. The matter was referred to Ontario Human Rights Commission and the inquiry was headed by Professor Peter A. Cumming.
- ^ "Toronto Sikh See Riots Over Racism". The Montreal Gazette. 30 August 1977. p. 5.
- ^ "East Indians Victims of Racism". The Leader Post. 14 March 1981. p. 83.
Gordon Kooner, a 33-year-old Sikh, with a friend wearing a beard and turban, was in a gas station when Thomas Henry Burris, a 25-year-old white man, made some racial insults. Kooner asked Burris to stop taunting his friend. Instead, a companion of Burris pinned back Kooner's arms while Burris punched him in the face. The beating continued until Kooner's nose was broken and his lip cut. Burris was sent to prison for two years less a day.
- ^ Sandhu, Gian Singh (5 June 2018). "In the Air India Bombing Aftermath, I Wished I Kept My Turban". Vice.
- ^ "B.C. skinheads sentenced in Sikh beating death". CBC. 16 November 1999.
- ^ "Racist Killer Wants to Apologise to Victims". Calgary Herald. 7 October 1999.
- ^ "Sikh barred from game". Globe and Mail. 5 September 2005.
Northwest United was competing in a tournament in this Vancouver suburb when a referee told 17-year-old Gurindar Durah he could not wear his patka, which young, religiously observant Sikhs are required to wear
- ^ Humphreys, Adrian (17 April 2012). "Violent racist gang expands into Edmonton". National Post.
It was later that evening that two Sikh men originally from India were attacked outside of an east Edmonton liquor store. One of the victims, inside the store, had racial slurs directed at him. As he left the store he was confronted and assaulted. Then, during that assault, we allege one of the other accused came up and hit him in the back of the head with a full bottle of alcohol.
- ^ "WSO Condemns Racist Vandalism of Edmonton Gurdwara". World Sikh Organisation. 9 January 2015.
- ^ Griwkowsky, Catherine (11 Jan 2015). "Edmonton community sends loving messages to vandalized Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwara". Edmonton Sun.
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights organized a gathering at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwara at 4504 Mill Woods Road South, which was hit by graffiti on Friday with racist slurs and words spray painted saying "leave Canada."
- ^ "SGPC condemns racial abuse of Canada's Sikh defence minister". Hindustan Times. 13 November 2015.
In a press release issued in Amritsar on Friday, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar described the racist comments as unfortunate and demanded action against the offending officer in accordance with the rules governing the Canadian armed forces.
- ^ Pugliese, David (13 November 2015). "Warrant Officer's racist comments about new defence minister generates headlines in Canada and India". Ottawa Citizen.
NDHQ public affairs staff were dealing with the fallout Thursday from the racist comments about new Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan posted on the Canadian Forces Facebook page by a member of the military.
- ^ Mann, Tanveer (3 April 2016). "Sikh man's turban is kicked off his head as he's viciously attacked in suspected hate crime". Metro.
Prime minister Justin Trudeau denounced the attack and said such hateful acts have no place in Canada.
- ^ "Sikh organization hails sentencing of Quebec City attacker". Montreal Gazette. 1 July 2016.
We're also glad that Judge Rousseau recognized that the attack was motivated by racism, despite the Quebec police having denied it was so. Sikhs in Quebec have faced serious challenges in the past and efforts need to be made so that Sikhs and the turban are better understood.
- ^ Rana, Yudhvir (24 December 2016). "Gurdwara Vandalised in Canada". Times of India.
A gurdwara was vandalized with obscene graffiti spray-painted on its outer walls by unknown miscreants in Canada's Calgary city.
- ^ Mitrovica, Andrew (28 September 2017). "Canada's Jagmeet Singh: Battling racism with love". Al Jazeera.
- ^ "Jagmeet Singh challenges man who urged him to 'cut off' his turban". CBC News. 2 October 2019.
Oh, I think Canadians look like all sorts of people, Singh replied. That's the beauty of Canada.
- ^ Morton, Sydney. "B.C. Sikh temple vandalized with racist graffiti". 100 Mile Free Press.
- ^ Knox, Jules (19 November 2018). "Kelowna Sikh temple vandalized with racist graffiti". Global News Canada.
Racist graffiti was found on the wall of Kelowna's Sikh temple on Davie Road Monday morning.
- ^ "Kelowna Sikh leader urges people to speak up about racism after gurdwara hit by graffiti". CBC News. 21 November 2018.
A leader in Kelowna's Sikh community says emotions are still raw after racist graffiti was found on the wall of the local gurdwara. However, Amanpreet Singh Hundal, B.C. vice-president of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, says people are looking for positives after the crime, and for ways to better connect with the broader Kelowna community.
- ^ "P.E.I. legion to apologize after Sikh man reportedly asked to remove headdress". CTV News. 20 January 2018.
A video of the incident shows a woman threatening to rip off the head covering in response to being filmed and a patron at the bar making an obscene gesture while saying the garment must be removed because "it's the law."
- ^ Junker, Anna (7 July 2021). "NDP, Sikh leaders call for more action after Edmonton Gurdwara faces threats, harassment". Edmonton Journal.
Since March, community leaders at the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, a Sikh temple in Mill Woods, have been targeted with harassing phone calls containing racial slurs and anti-Sikh sentiments.
- ^ Kornik, Slav (2 July 2021). "Edmonton police investigate racist, harassing incidents against Sikh community". Global News.
- ^ Lachacz, Adam (29 August 2021). "Edmonton Sikh community continues to receive 'disturbing' hate-motivated harassment". CTV News.
After going public about receiving harassing phone calls and pranks, Edmonton's Sikh community at a local place of worship is once again being affected by hate-fuelled incidents.
- ^ Singh, Gurmukh (7 December 2021). "Racist Graffiti Left on Brampton School". Times of India.
- ^ "WATCH: Extremist Hindu leader in Canada openly advocates killing Muslims, Sikhs". GeoTV. 29 June 2022.
- ^ Steacy, Lisa (21 March 2021). "'Absolutely disgusting': B.C. councillor speaks out after Sikh international student swarmed, beaten". CTV Vancouver News.
- ^ "Police investigating alleged hate crime in East City". The Peterborough Examiner. 26 July 2024.
A man told police he was spat on, had his turban knocked off his head and stepped on, and was hit in the head with a soda can in an incident Peterborough Police are classifying as a hate crime.
- ^ Johal, Rumneek (8 August 2024). "Canada's Far-Right is Targeting South Asian and Sikh Canadians to Incite Anti-Immigrant Hate". Press Progress.
In the midst of social media posts targeting specifically turbaned Sikh men, a hate crime was reported to police in Peterborough, Ontario on July 26 after a man alleged he was spat on and "had his turban knocked off and stepped on.
- ^ Mullin, Malone (15 August 2024). "St. John's student warns public after man hurls racist slurs and death threats in local park". CBC.
You're all f--king dirbags. Dirtbag ragheads, the man yells in the video, walking briskly toward the group and gesturing aggressively.
- ^ "League Launches New Effort to Stop Pin Production". The Jewish Post & News. 31 January 1990. p. 12.
- ^ "Limits of Acceptance". CBC.
- ^ "Charges Considered Over Racist Calendar". Edmonton Journal. 7 February 1990. p. 4.
- ^ "5 head-covering controversies in Canada". CBC.
Herman Bittner, an Alberta man who made a calendar to protest the decision, said: Am I really a racist, or am I standing up and trying to save something that you know can be lost forever?
- ^ "Wynne denounces 'hateful flyer' handed out in Brampton". CBC News. 14 April 2017.
Late Saturday evening, Premier Kathleen Wynne issued a statement about what she calls a hateful flyer.
- ^ Alam, Hina (20 September 2016). "Anti-Sikh posters show up on University of Alberta campus". Toronto Star.
The University of Alberta moved quickly this week to remove racist posters that showed up on campus featuring the image of a Sikh man in a marigold-yellow turban and the words, If you're so obsessed with your third-world culture, go the f—- back to where you came from !
- ^ "Canada radio Sikh slur censured". BBC. 31 March 2005.
A Canadian radio station has been censured for broadcasting "abusive" remarks about the Sikh community. Psychiatrist Pierre Mailloux, host of the Doc Mailloux phone-in show on Montreal's CKAC-AM station, had referred to Sikhs as a gang of bozos
- ^ Johal, Rumneek (8 August 2024). "Canada's Far-Right is Targeting South Asian and Sikh Canadians to Incite Anti-Immigrant Hate". PressProgress.
Anti-hate experts and researchers say Canada's far-right is shifting its focus to spreading conspiracy theories and sowing hate towards South Asian and Sikh communities in Canada. In recent weeks, many far-right Canadian influencers have ramped up attacks against Canadians of South Asian origin – particularly Sikhs
- ^ "Peel school board investigating racist usernames used in online event with NDP leader". CBC. 2 April 2021.
The slurs targeted Sikh, South Asian, Black and LGBTQ2S+ people, Russell-Rawlins wrote.
- ^ Johal, Rumneek (29 August 2024). "A Canadian Twitter User Was Arrested for Posting Videos Harassing South Asians. Experts Say Canada's Justice System is Not Equipped to Stop This Problem". PressProgress.
- ^ Quenneville, Guy (3 October 2019). "2 PPC candidates tweet cartoon of Jagmeet Singh wearing turban with bomb on it". CBC.
- ^ Thompson, Elizabeth (7 May 2021). "Maxime Bernier uttered racist slur about Jagmeet Singh, according to statement filed in court". CBC.
- ^ Dino, Angelica (17 November 2021). "Ontario court dismisses Maxime Bernier's defamation lawsuit for failing anti-SLAPP screening test". Canadian Lawyer.
- ^ Bryden, Joan (10 November 2021). "Maxime Bernier loses defamation lawsuit against columnist Warren Kinsella". National Post.
Maxime Bernier has lost his defamation fight against a controversial columnist who repeatedly portrayed the People's Party of Canada leader as racist, misogynist and anti-Semitic during the run-up to the 2019 federal election.
- ^ "The turban that rocked the RCMP: How Baltej Singh Dhillon challenged the RCMP — and won". CBC. 11 May 2017.
- ^ Baker, Rafferty (5 August 2019). "As he readies for new role, 1st Mountie to wear turban reflects on RCMP career". CBC.
As he looks back on his career as a Mountie, Dhillon chooses to focus on the service he provided for the communities where he worked — not the death threats he received in the mail from across the country.
- ^ Ballingall, Alex (17 Jan 2013). "Sikh driver settles beard dispute with limo company". Toronto Star.
- ^ "Quebec Superior Court upholds most of religious symbols ban, but English-language schools exempt". CBC News. 2021-04-21.
- ^ "Statement by Minister Khera on Sikh Heritage Month". Government of Canada. 1 April 2024.
- ^ "About WSO". World Sikh Organization of Canada. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
The WSO is a non-profit international umbrella organization founded in 1984 as an international organization, with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status. The WSO of Canada was registered with the Government of Canada as a non-profit organization, under the name World Sikh Organization of Canada
- ^ Tatla, Darshan Singh (April 1999). The Sikh Diaspora: The Search for Statehood (Global Diasporas). University of Washington Press. pp. 95–97. ISBN 978-0-295-97714-0.
- ^ "NRI Sikh body starts leadership training programme for youth : Mail Today, News". India Today. 26 August 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ^ "Surrey's Baltej Dhillon, first Mountie to wear a turban, speaks about acceptance". Surrey Now Leader. 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Grant et al. v. Canada (Attorney General) et al., (1995) 184 N.R. 346 (FCA)". VLex.
Schroeder, Pidgeon & Co., Vancouver, British Columbia, for the intervenor, World Sikh Organization.
- ^ "Supreme Court Judgments". Supreme Court of Canada. 2 March 2006.
Palbinder K. Shergill, for the intervener the World Sikh Organization of Canada.
- ^ "Court of Appeal upholds Québec's Act respecting the laicity of the State". Tory's. 4 March 2024.
In World Sikh Organization of Canada v. Attorney General of Québec, Québec's Court of Appeal upheld the legislation, carefully avoiding any commentary on its politics.
- ^ "FACTUM OF THE INTERVENER WORLD SIKH ORGANIZATION OF CANADA" (PDF). Supreme Court of Canada.
- ^ Taylor, Stephanie (14 February 2023). "Conservatives clarify opposition to Quebec's Bill 21 following vote for notwithstanding clause". The Globe and Mail.
The federal Conservatives are trying to reassure the World Sikh Organization of Canada that the party remains opposed to Quebec's secularism law after its MPs voted in support of a provision the province used to create it
- ^ "English school boards lose as Quebec Court of Appeal upholds Bill 21". Montreal Gazette. 29 February 2024.
Beginning in November 2022, the Quebec Court of Appeal heard positions from several parties, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims, the World Sikh Organization of Canada, the English Montreal School Board and the Quebec Community Groups Network, an organization that represents 44 anglophone groups spread out across Quebec.
- ^ Miller, Jacquie (2 August 1983). "Sikhs Want Racism Protection Beefed Up In Code". Ottawa Citizen. p. 29.