Mr. Speaker, states do evolve over the years.
Quebec and Canada are no exception to this rule and one of the main reasons for changes in states is, of course, the contribution of new citizens, new communities, people different from us.
Many groups have come to Quebec and to Canada to seek a better life and more dignity. Some of them chose to settle here to escape famine or persecution or simply to try to build a better life for themselves.
The hon. member for Winnipeg—Transcona is giving us today the opportunity to talk briefly about a community that is not well known in Quebec, because not many of its members are living in Quebec.
Sikhs came to Canada toward the end of the 19th century. They made their way over here as members of a unit of the British Army. They were on their way home to India after the celebrations surrounding Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee when they chose to stay in Canada. That was probably not a bad choice.
A few years later, following Kind Edward VII's coronation, a second group arrived in Canada. All of them had a military background.
There are currently 300,000 Sikhs in Canada and the motion put forward by the hon. member for Winnipeg—Transcona asks the House to recognize the importance of April 13 for all Sikhs and the contributions that Canadian Sikhs have made to our country.
The motion also reads as follows:
—that this House also recognize the importance of the five K's: the KIRPAN—a sword representing indomitable spirit; KES—unshorn hair, representing a simple life, saintliness and devotion to God; KARA—a steel bangle worn as a sign of the eternity of God; KANGA—a wooden comb worn to represent a clean mind and body; and KACHA—short breeches, representing hygienic living.
I personally have a great deal of admiration and respect for communities that show their attachment to the symbols that represent them. In the life of all people, symbols are part of their vitality, culture and identity.
In that context, I wish to thank the hon. member for putting forward this motion. Clearly, I hope that the House will recognize the importance of April 13, because to the Sikh community April 13 is what New Year's Day is to us. It is the first day of the new Sikh year, the Vaisakhi . Unfortunately, that is the extent of what I can read in Sikh.
In 1999, Canada Post recognized the Sikh community by issuing a stamp. Canada Post issues many stamps, but this one was quite special since it stressed the importance of the Sikh community, of the April 13 celebrations for that community and of the role that its members play in their communities.
That is what I had to say. I hope that after today's debate, April 13 will be an important date for Canadians and Quebecers.