A motion introduced by Mandeep Dhaliwal, MLA for Surrey North, calling on British Columbia to formally recognize the 1984 anti-Sikh violence as genocide was blocked in the B.C. Legislative Assembly after unanimous consent was denied.
The BC Conservatives slammed the NDP MLAs for “participating in the decision to prevent the motion from proceeding.”
However, NDP MLA Ravi Parmar slammed Dhaliwal for not following a “proper, respectful process” to introduce a motion in the Legislative Assembly. Parmar said this wasn’t a topic for scoring political points.
Parmar said in a statement: “1984 is etched in the minds of every member of the Sikh faith. It’s a deeply sensitive moment for people that deserves to be discussed with the deepest sensitivity and respect.
“The procedure today was not on whether to support the motion. In fact, we could not have a vote because of Dhaliwal’s choice of process.
“He did it in a way that he knew would fail and that’s disappointing.
“If the Conservatives wanted this to pass, they would have used their designated private members time when they knew it would come to the floor. Or they could have worked across party lines on a plan.
“A topic so serious for our community deserves to be treated that way. This isn’t a topic for scoring political points.
“A proper, respectful process would include consulting with and hearing from the community and faith leaders.”
The motion sought to recognize the state-sponsored violence committed against Sikhs across India in 1984, including mass killings, targeted brutality, destruction of homes, businesses, and gurdwaras, and the lasting trauma carried by survivors and future generations as genocide.
Dhaliwal said: “This was a moment to acknowledge truth, honour victims, and stand against genocide denial and hatred. For such a motion to be blocked, and for disrespectful remarks to be made during its introduction, is deeply disappointing to many Sikh families across British Columbia and beyond.”
He said that respect for human rights should not be a partisan question. “When a government refuses to recognize crimes against humanity, and its members respond to a tribute to victims with mockery in the people’s chamber, it tells British Columbians whose dignity counts and whose does not. Every community in this province deserves better,” he added.
The BC Conservatives said that British Columbia is home to one of the largest Sikh populations. For decades, Sikh Canadians have advocated for recognition, remembrance, and education surrounding the events of 1984.
“The Sikh community is not asking for division,” Dhaliwal said. “We are asking for dignity, historical recognition, and the same moral clarity that should exist whenever innocent people are targeted because of their identity or faith.”
