Canadians grateful to Sikhs for their contribution: Scheer

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 10

Canada’s opposition Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer, along with his wife Jill Scheer, and Bob Saroya, Federal Member of House of Commons, paid obeisance at the Golden Temple on Wednesday.

During the maiden visit, they also visited Guru Ram Dass Langar Hall and performed seva.

He started conversation by greeting ‘Sat Sri Akal’, visibly impressed by the SGPC’s hospitality.

“Sikhs in Canada constitute a huge part of our society. We are grateful for their contribution over the past 150 years. I have a great respect for Sikhs and learnt about their vibrant history. I am fortunate to have an opportunity to visit Golden Temple and overwhelmed to have such a warm reception,” he said.

When asked if he would let continue the prevailing favourable policies of facilitating students from other countries to study in Canada, he said, “ Canada has a very ambitious programme to encourage people from all over the world to have university education in Canada along with the residence facility for those who come to study for a longer period of time and it will be a continued process.”

Recognising the contribution of the Sikh community in business circle as well, he said that the ruling government in Canada had raised taxes on their small businesses, even accusing them of evading taxes. “We stand for the Sikh entrepreneurs as they have created jobs not only for their families but also for the wider community. Conservatives want to award their hardwork with low tax regime that allows them to keep more money and improve their quality of life,” he said.

Commenting on activities of radical Sikhs demanding a separate state in India, he clarified that the Conservative Party stood for India’s unity and any voice that led to violence would be snubbed.

SGPC presented them with siropa, a shawl and a model of Golden Temple.

Later, the couple also visited Pingalwara’s Manawala branch. Dr Inderjit Kaur, president of All India Pingalwara Charitable Society, apprised the guests in detail the various activities of Pingalwara which houses over 1,800 destitute, orphans, abandoned and mentally-challenged persons. She also explained that Pingalwara’s educational institutions were being supported by Pingalwara Society of Ontario, Canada.

They visited Artificial Limb Centre, Children ward, Special School and Deaf School where he actively interacted with residents.

Others present on the occasion were vice-president of society Dr Jagdeepak Singh, in-charge, Kudarti Kheti Farm, Sarabjit Singh Chheena, and administrator Col Darshan Singh Bawa.