April marks the beginning of Sikh Heritage Month.

My great riding of Brampton West is home to a large, vibrant and prospering Sikh community. Sikhs have a long and proud history that spans over 500 years. We are known for our commitment to equality, social justice and service to humanity. These values are deeply rooted in our faith and have guided us through some of the most challenging times in history.

We believe that there are three duties a Sikh must carry out: naam japna, which is keeping God in mind at all times; kirat karō, which means earning an honest living; and vand chakkō, which means sharing one’s earnings with others. In English, this can be summed up by praying, working and giving.

Mr. Speaker, the Sikh community has made immeasurable contributions to building our province and this proud country, from the days when those early Sikh pioneers arrived in Canada to the present day, when this nation stands tall as a leader for equality, diversity and compassion. The history of Sikhs in Canada is a story of compassion, hard work, persistence and progress.

Therefore, I invite the entire House to join in the annual Khalsa Day Parade on April 30 in Toronto with friends and families and enjoy this open, public celebration of Sikh heritage.