Mr. Speaker, today marks the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, a towering figure not only in Sikh history but also in the history of humanity. His supreme sacrifice to defend freedom of conscience and to protect the rights of those persecuted is a timeless lesson in moral courage.
Long before the world spoke of universal human rights, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji stood firmly for equality, justice and interfaith solidarity. His legacy is a reminder that the strength of Canada is rooted in these very values. Today, we honour his memory and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding human rights and religious freedom for all.