Ottawa, Canada: The Canadian province of Ontario has deemed the month of April as “Sikh Heritage Month”. This was passed due to the effort of MPP Jagmeet Singh who proposed the bill in 2013. This April marks the 2nd annual celebration of what will surely be a treasured event in Ontario that hopefully spreads to more states in Canada and the world.
Bill 52, Sikh Heritage Month Act, 2013 Singh, Jagmeet Current Status: Royal Assent received Chapter Number: S.O. 2013 C.12 Viewing: Royal Assent (current version) pdf Bill 52 2013 An Act to proclaim the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month Preamble Sikh Canadians have lived in Ontario since the middle of the twentieth century. They represent a growing and dynamic population. Sikh Canadians have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ontario. April is an important month for the Sikh community. In this month, Sikh Canadians celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. Sikh Canadians widely celebrate Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, across Ontario. By proclaiming the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Sikh Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario. Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows: Sikh Heritage Month 1. The month of April in each year is proclaimed as Sikh Heritage Month. Commencement 2. This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent. Short title 3. The short title of this Act is the Sikh Heritage Month Act, 2013. EXPLANATORY NOTE This Explanatory Note was written as a reader’s aid to Bill 52 and does not form part of the law. Bill 52 has been enacted as Chapter 12 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2013. The Bill proclaims the month of April in each year as Sikh Heritage Month.