Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today in honour of Vaisakhi, the 297th birthday of the Sikh nation, which is being celebrated around the world.
Sikhs have been living in Canada for almost a century, and over 240,000 Sikhs participate in every facet of Canadian life. Sikhs are peace loving people who have made a valuable contribution in various fields, including professional and political spheres, as my presence here today illustrates. Sikhs believe in justice and the protection of human rights for all people regardless of colour, creed, sex or origin.
I hope fellow members of Parliament will join me in wishing Sikhs across Canada a happy Vaisakhi by accepting my invitation to a reception in the Commonwealth Room following question period.