BY AMAN SINGH
NDP MLA for Richmond Queensborough
EVERY April in British Columbia, we honour the enduring spirit and invaluable contributions of the Sikh community to our province and country. It’s not only a time of celebration but also an occasion for deep reflection on the journey of resilience, fortitude and progress that defines us.
The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy — a beacon that illuminates the path toward equality and representation. However, for South Asians in Canada, this right was excluded for far too long.
Imagine the early 1900s, a time when our ancestors, like countless others, arrived on Canadian shores, brimming with hope and dreams of a better future. However, their aspirations were met with the harsh reality of discrimination and exclusion.
In 1907, changes to the Municipality Incorporation Act barred the South Asian community, including Sikhs, from participating in municipal elections in Vancouver. This not only deprived us of our fundamental right to vote but also extended to federal and provincial levels, leaving us disenfranchised and marginalized.
But in the face of adversity, our community did not retreat; we rose.
The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), which evolved into the New Democrat Party in 1961, emerged as a staunch ally in our struggle for justice and equality. With unwavering determination, CCF representatives advocated tirelessly for the rights of Asian Canadians, recognizing the inherent injustice of their disenfranchisement.
During the tumult of World War II, while xenophobic sentiments ran high, the CCF stood firm against the internment and deportation of Japanese Canadians, exemplifying their commitment to justice and inclusivity. Their principled stance inspired hope and solidarity within our community and beyond.
The valour of Punjabi Sikhs on the battlefields of World War I further underscored our commitment to Canada, yet our right to vote remained elusive. Nevertheless, leaders within the Khalsa Diwan Society and the wider Punjabi community continued to champion our cause, refusing to relent in the face of adversity.
The rallying cry “No vote – No war” echoed throughout our community as we waged a tireless campaign for recognition and equality. And finally, in 1947, after decades of relentless struggle, the South Asian community regained the right to vote, marking a watershed moment in our history—a testament to our resilience and collective strength.
As we celebrate Vaisakhi and commemorate Sikh Heritage Month, let us pay homage to the pioneers who paved the way for us, whose sacrifices and determination have shaped the very fabric of our democracy. Let us also heed the lessons of history, drawing inspiration from the CCF’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
As a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, I stand shoulder to shoulder with my fellow British Columbians and Canadians in celebrating our heritage, our resilience and our shared vision for a more just and inclusive society. Let us honour the struggles of our forebears by exercising our right to vote and continuing to strive for a province and country where all voices are heard, valued and respected.
In unity and solidarity, we forge ahead, weaving our stories into the vibrant tapestry of our nation’s history.
Happy Vaisakhi to everyone.
