March 20, 2006
Vaisakhi Festival and Panj Kakkaar
Motions on Notice [click to view video]

M. Polak: It is an honour to rise and speak in support of this motion.

           Rare is the initiative that finds support from both sides of this chamber, yet I do not anticipate that this morning's discussions will hear any one of us speaking in opposition. Indeed, the list of those wishing to speak to this motion is lengthy, displaying the broad support enjoyed in the Legislature for the recognition of British Columbia's rich cultural heritage.

           Sikhs in British Columbia are not newcomers. Their contributions to the development of our great province stretch back to some of our earliest history. Their struggles were many as they faced discrimination and ignorance in a culture that was not yet mature enough to see the value in embracing diversity. Yet those Sikh pioneers persisted — no question.

           They were able to withstand the trials and disappointments they faced by relying on their faith. That faith and commitment has brought us to where we are today. As the 21st century begins, members of the Sikh community are represented in every aspect of the life of British Columbia. In our Legislature the holy scripture of the Sikh faith, Guru Granth Sahib, was recognized and celebrated by the Premier. Today, with the passing of this motion, we acknowledge the Five Ks, sacred symbols that advance the ideals of Sikhism.

           Our actions in this chamber today should cause each one of us to reflect on our own values and how they are expressed in our daily lives. The values represented by the Five Ks are universal. They are values that speak to us as individuals, regardless of our own religion or culture. Truly, the ideals advanced by Guru Gobind Singh are crying out to be embraced by a modern culture that often focuses only on commercial or material success.

           This motion is largely symbolic and holds no weight of law. Nevertheless, in my view, it would be a shame if we were to pass this motion without a thought to how these ideals could and should be expressed in our daily lives. I urge all members to support this motion and to contemplate its meaning in their own hearts.

           C. Puchmayr: It's a great privilege to rise here in support of this motion and in support of another strand of the fibre of the mosaic of Canada as we look at how the different cultures have woven into what Canada is today. I find that the greatest wealth of multiculturalism isn't only people from other cultures coming into our community and our country, but it's what we learn from those cultures.

           I found that the greatest excitement in my time as a city councillor and as an activist in the community was speaking and learning about individual cultures of the different communities. I found that the Sikh culture in New Westminster is a very significant one that has a long history and was certainly active in the development, commerce and economies of our city as the city grew from the days of the pioneers to the days we have today.

           New Westminster is well served by the Wood Street temple and the many families that have relocated there over the years, and I've found that attending the temple is a very uplifting and very interesting event to attend. Anyone and everyone is well received and well respected as they attend any temple. Just go to a temple and enter, and you will be so well received and so well respected.

           Again, I encourage people to learn about other cultures, to go out to other temples and to listen to what people have to say. I think the greatest wealth in any society is the tolerance, the understanding and the learning of those cultures. In closing, I will say: Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, waheguru ji ki Fateh.