Mr. Speaker, let me in the few minutes available to me say how proud I am to second the motion before us today sponsored by the member for Winnipeg—Transcona.
Like my colleague who represents an area that has a very significant population of Sikhs, I too have been blessed with the opportunity to represent an area where the Sikh population is large, active and contributes a great deal to the health and well-being of our whole community.
In my area, the constituency of Winnipeg North Centre, there are two gurdwaras that have been a source of inspiration to me and to our whole community. They are the gurdwara of Singh Sabha and the Sikh Society of Manitoba. Those two gurdwaras have played a very active role in bringing the community together to appreciate the cultural significance of Sikhism and to share with everyone the sense of spirituality that really signifies this community and the contributions it makes to the country.
I too am very pleased to join with my colleagues in the House in recognizing the significance of the April 13 birthday and to pay tribute to my colleague from Winnipeg—Transcona for taking this initiative to bring the motion before the House.
It would certainly be my hope, as I am sure is a hope shared by colleagues from all parties in the House, that we could agree to support the motion with a vote of confidence and make it a unanimous recommendation from the House of Commons.
It is a significant moment to pay tribute to Sikhism and the contribution by Sikhs in the history and development of the country. I certainly have felt that contribution in my community and value very much the sense of spirituality of Sikhs. Their devotion to the values of justice, equality and dignity is very much a part of the faith and culture that surrounds Sikhism in Manitoba and in Canada.
I would pass the speaking over to my colleague and hope that the House would agree to unanimously support the motion.