PRIME Minister Justine Trudeau on Friday issued the following statement to mark the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

“Today, Sikh communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the 555th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

“The founder of the Sikh faith and the first of 10 Sikh gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a revered spiritual leader. His teachings of kindness, compassion, unity, and equality continue to inspire millions. On Gurpurab, families and communities will gather at local gurdwaras to reflect upon his life and legacy through prayer, and by upholding the principles of seva – selfless service – in communities across Canada.

“This day is also an opportunity for all of us to recognize the invaluable contributions of Sikh communities to Canada’s national fabric. For generations, Sikh Canadians have given back to communities through the practice of seva. Helping those in need, regardless of background, is a core principle of Sikhism and a value that unites us all as Canadians.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all those celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji a day filled with joy and peace.

“Happy Gurpurab!

“Gurpurab Deeyan Lakh Lakh Waadayien.”

PREMIER David Eby said in a statement:

“Sikhs in British Columbia and around the world today are celebrating the 555th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion.

“Friends and family will gather on this sacred day to visit gurdwaras, give back to the community, and reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, including the importance of equality, peace, compassion and tolerance.

“This important day also provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge the remarkable cultural, political and economic contributions Sikh Canadians have made to the British Columbia we know today.

“Gurpurab is also celebrated by diverse communities across South Asia, showing the universal nature of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings about unity and equality.

“Today, I extend my warmest wishes for a happy Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab to all who celebrate. Gurpurab di lakh lakh vadhai!”

CONSERVATIVE Leader Pierre Poilievre released the following statement:

“Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Today, Sikhs across the country celebrate the birth and life of their founder, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

“As the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak’s legacy is celebrated for having established the fundamental pillars of the Sikh faith. Rooted in the quest for Truth, his commitment to honest living and selfless giving inspired the birth of a small but tight-knit community of Sikhs that would go on to form the world’s fifth-largest religion.

“Today, Guru Nanak’s timeless teachings emphasizing acts of service to those in need and freedom and dignity for all people continue to resonate as much as they did over five centuries ago.

“By living the core Sikh values that he established, over 25 million Sikhs continue to strengthen their communities worldwide, most notably of all here in Canada, where we are lucky to share our common home with the largest Sikh diaspora community in the world.

“As Canadian Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s birthday and the remarkable history he inspired, Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives are proud to honour the countless ways in which his legacy continues to shine in gurdwaras across our country.

“Happy Gurpurab!”