SURREY – The World Sikh Organization of Canada held its biennial convention on Saturday November 11, 2017 at the Punjab Bhavan in Surrey, British Columbia. Delegates from across Canada attended the convention to reflect on the successes of the past two years and to chart a course for the future.
WSO Vice Presidents from the five national regions presented their reports on local activities, successes and challenges, followed by a report by WSO legal counsel Balpreet Singh.
Balpreet Singh spoke about the latest success of the organization with respect to the ability of Sikhs to wear small kirpans with less than 6cm blades on airplanes. While this change will apply as of November 27 to domestic and international flights from Canada, it will not apply to flights to the US. Balpreet Singh reminded the convention that prior to 9/11 the WSO had secured an accommodation for amritdhari Sikhs to wear kirpans with up to 4 inch blades on domestic flights but this was later discontinued due to changes in airline security policy.
WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “WSO has worked for the interests of the Sikh community for the past 33 years and it is because of the long-term vision of our founders that the leadership of the organization has been passed to the next generation.”
Mukhbir Singh spoke about the recently launched Sikh Family Helpline and the services it offers to members of the Sikh community facing mental health, family or addiction issues. The anonymous telephone line which can be reached at 1800-551-9128, provides resources to Sikh families that are culturally sensitive.
Anyone facing any legal issues can contact WSO’s legal counsel at 416-904-9110 or visit the WSO website at www.worldsikh.org.
At the conclusion of the convention, the 31-member board of directors of the organization was unanimously selected. Past WSO Executive Director Sukhvinder Kaur Vinning and founding President Gian Singh Sandhu announced the board on behalf of the organization:
President: Mukhbir Singh, Ottawa
Sr. Vice President: Dr. Bhavjinder Kaur Dhillon, Surrey
Director of Finance: Gurleen Kaur Sidhu, Brampton
Director of Administration: Harman Singh Kandola, Edmonton
BC Vice President: Aman Singh Hundal, Kelowna
Alberta Vice President: Tejinder Singh Sidhu, Calgary
Central Vice President: Harbans Singh Brar, Winnipeg
Ontario Vice President: Sharanjeet Kaur, Brampton
Quebec & Atlantic Vice President: Amrit Kaur, Montreal
