15 April 2013
Ottawa, Ontario
“Thank you very much.
“Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh.
“Thank you very much for that warm welcome everybody, thank you for your introduction Parm, and greetings to all of my Parliamentary colleagues who are here, Minister Kenney, Member of Parliament Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament Brad Butt, Kyle Seeback, Devinder Shory, Patrick Brown, Minister Tim Uppal, Minister Bal Gosal, MP Bob Dechert, and Minister Peter MacKay, thank you all for being here with us tonight.
“And thank you to Hunsdeep and Prita for getting us started today.
“Friends, today for Sikhs, is a day of thanksgiving.
“Unfortunately friends, today is also something else in another part of the world not very far from here.
“It is a day of sadness and of shock, and I’d just like to spend a moment on that.
“Colleagues and friends, I know we are all very saddened and shocked about what has transpired today in Boston, by these violent incidents that have occurred.
“Obviously we condemn categorically this kind of violent attack upon innocent people.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been injured or killed and with their families, and as Canadians of course we use this moment to express our complete solidarity with our American neighbours and friends.
“Friends, as I said, for Sikhs today is a day of thanksgiving, this is not only the start of the New Year, but also the anniversary of the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa – the body of baptized Sikhs.
“Since that day, Sikhism has grown to become one of the world’s great religions.
“And, as so many in Canada and around the world celebrate Vaisakhi, I am thankful that our country is home to one of the largest and most dynamic Sikh populations outside of India.
“I am reminded, too, that Canada is also home to the oldest standing Sikh temple in North America.
“That is, of course, the Gur Sikh temple in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
“Just two years ago, I was privileged to visit it.
“It stands today as a National Historic Site, and as a reminder to all Canadians, that Sikhs have been a vital part of Canadian society for more than 100 years.
“You know, as Prime Minister, I have had the privilege to visit many countries around the world.
“Two of my most memorable trips were to India.
“And, particularly, the visits to two of Sikhism’s holiest shrines.
“Last year Laureen and I toured the Gurdwara Sri Keshgarh Sahib.
“We were also very fortunate to see the stunning Khalsa Heritage Centre, designed by Canadian Architect Moshe Safdie.
“And, of course, in 2009, we visited the Harmandir Sahib ¬- the Golden Temple - the spiritual home of Sikhs around the world.
“There, we experienced first hand the stunning beauty of the temple as well as the energy and devotion of the people.
“I was struck by their genuine warmth, and their openness.
“In fact, the welcoming spirit we experienced in Amritsar is so highly regarded by Sikhs, that it is actually built into the architecture there.
“That’s why there are four gates at the Golden Temple, each facing a different point on the compass.
“Each symbolizing the openness of the Sikh religion to all others around the world.
“And friends,this is just one of the values Sikhs have brought to Canada.
“Values like a deep commitment to compassion, justice for all and equality for everyone, ¬regardless of race, creed or gender.
“These are the values that help make the Sikh community so strong.
“They are also the values that make Canada the best country in the world, the best place anywhere to live, work and raise a family.
“So Vaisakhi is an occasion for all of us to celebrate the success of the Sikh community, here in Canada and around the world.
“It is a time for all Canadians to celebrate as well, the contribution Indo-Canadians from all walks of life make to this great nation from coast to coast to coast.
“So, as Prime Minister, and on behalf of all Canadians, let me wish every one of you a Happy Vaisakhi.”
