The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on the occasion of the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, I would like to wish the Sikh community in Canada and abroad a happy and joyous Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab. The life and teachings of Guru Nanak are of profound significance to all. His message of love, service and community provides inspiration for all of humanity.

“During this past year, I have had the privilege of visiting many gurdwaras and learning about the principles of the keertan, sangat and langar.

“As the community comes together in prayer and reflects on good fortune, freedom and family, this is a time to look back on the past year and the one to come.

“There is no better time for us to join in the sharing of our many blessings. May our hearts go out to those less fortunate not only during this holiday, but throughout the year.

“Guru Nanak’s teachings about love, compassion and acceptance are a reminder that we share a country that is great not in spite of its diversity, but because of it. Sikhs have a long history in Canada, and the pillars of service and community that are at the core of Sikhism are similarly woven into our national fabric.

“We are all so fortunate to live in a country united in friendship and generosity. I look forward to spending time with the Sikh community in the near future and learning more about the faith and community. My family and I wish you all much peace and happiness.