PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau visited the Shri Guru Ravidass Community Center in Burnaby on December 14 and shared his appreciation for the contributions being made by the congregation and members of the society.

Trudeau’s visit generated a lot of excitement as this was the first visit of a sitting prime minister to the Guru Ravidass Temple in Burnaby in the 42-year history of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver).

Trudeau spoke of the values of “equality” prescribed by Guru Ravidass, and said these are the same values of Canada. Trudeau also had a tour of the community center and met members of the congregation in the langar hall. Trudeau mentioned that he would be pleased to return to the Guru Ravidass Center once it is completed.

A couple of months ago, Trudeau had also visited the Guru Ravidass Temple situated in his own riding in Montreal.

On behalf of the congregation and the board of the organization, President Harjit Sohpaul and General Secretary Amarjit Lealh welcomed Trudeau and ministers Harjit Sajjan and Terry Beech, parliamentary secretary and associate minister Randeep Sarai, MPs Sukh Dhaliwal and Taleeb Noormohamed, and Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley.

Sohpaul also acknowledged the continued support of MPs Sajjan, Sarai and Dhaliwal.  Sajjan was particularly acknowledged for arranging Trudeau’s visit to the center.

(Contributed by JAI BIRDI)