Formation of Sikh Federation (Canada) to empower Sikh advocacy for dignity, justice, and self-determination

(Ottawa, ON: 13 Kattak, Nanakshahi 556 / October 29, 2024 CE) – Sikhs across the country announced the formation of Sikh Federation (Canada) today, a Sikh advocacy organization dedicated to empowering the Sikh community in Canada to advocate for dignity, justice, and self-determination.

Sikh Federation (Canada) envisions a world in which Sikhs exercise their right to self-determination and sovereignty in pursuit of sarbat da bhala (betterment of all). Our mission is to mobilize Sikhs in Canada to advocate for justice and self-determination, challenge discrimination in all its forms, and build solidarity with other communities.

“We are dedicated to organizing the Sikh community in Canada to effectively advocate for our rights and interests in a non-partisan manner, relying on a strong grassroots base that reflects the community's aspirations,” said Bhai Moninder Singh, spokesperson for Sikh Federation (Canada). “By engaging with all political parties, Sikh Federation (Canada) aims to ensure that the rights and interests of Sikhs are represented and advocated for across the political spectrum. We are committed to working alongside all like-minded Sikh organizations through ongoing collaboration and aligning resources, wherever possible, to achieve a common goal for the Sikh community.”

The launch of Sikh Federation (Canada) comes at a critical time when the Sikh community faces increasing challenges, both domestically and globally. As we see the Indian state engaging in transnational repression and foreign interference targeting Sikhs around the world, Sikh Federation (Canada) aims to be a political voice for Sikhs that is committed to effectively combating these threats in partnership with global stakeholders. The organization will actively counter the narratives and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by India, particularly those that seek to criminalize Sikh advocacy or promote anti-Sikh hate.

Inspired by the shahadat (martyrdom) of Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Sikh Federation (Canada) will actively engage in advocacy efforts that address various social justice and global Sikh issues. By promoting understanding and dialogue, we aim to build bridges across the country that create a more just and inclusive society where all communities can thrive together.

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The Federation’s objectives will focus on several key areas:

1. Political Advocacy: Engaging with all levels of government to ensure that the rights and interests of Sikhs are represented and protected. This includes advocating for policies that promote justice, equality, and self-determination for Sikhs in Canada and around the world.
   
   
2. Community Mobilization: Building a strong grassroots base to advocate for Sikh rights and interests. This involves organizing community events, educational programs, and campaigns to mobilize Sikhs across Canada.
   
   
3. Combating Disinformation: Actively countering disinformation campaigns that seek to criminalize Sikh advocacy or promote anti-Sikh hate. This includes working with media outlets, social media platforms, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate and fair representation of Sikh issues.
   
   
4. Solidarity Building: Fostering solidarity with other communities and social justice movements. This involves building alliances with like-minded organizations and working together to address common challenges and promote a more inclusive and just society.

In light of recent violence in Canada by agents of the Government of India, Sikh Federation (Canada) is making the following calls to action:

1. Suspension of Security and Intelligence Agreements: We call on the Government of Canada to immediately suspend all security and intelligence agreements with India that can be misused to target political dissidents in Canada. This includes any intelligence sharing, mutual legal assistance, extradition, training exercises, consultation, or any other forms of cooperation in the areas of security and intelligence that may violate Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international human rights obligations.
   
   
2. Public Inquiry into Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s Assassination: We call on the Government of Canada to commit to establishing a public inquiry at the earliest possible time to review the circumstances leading to Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination and any other violent or criminal activity linked to agents of the Government of India. This independent inquiry must be able to examine and publicly disclose the full range of threats posed by Indian foreign interference and transnational repression in Canada, as well as assess the failure of Canadian security and intelligence agencies to stop the murder and subsequent violence despite prior knowledge of an active threat posed by India.
   

3. Prosecution of Conspirators and Perpetrators: We call on the Government of Canada to bring all conspirators and perpetrators of criminal activity, associated with the Government of India, to justice in Canada. This includes their prosecution and sentencing to the full extent of the law, as well as the imposition of targeted sanctions against India’s intelligence agency, RAW, and all government officials or diplomats believed to have been involved in violent crimes.
   
   
4. Support for Sikh Community Organizations: We call on the Government of Canada to commit to additional funding and resources to Sikh community organizations and institutions in order to support capacity building to monitor and counter Indian disinformation against Sikhs in Canada, as well as develop resilience against rising anti-Sikh hate.

For media inquiries, please contact: info@sikhfederation.ca