Hello everyone. And Happy Vaisakhi.

Today, Sikh communities will celebrate the 324th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and its teachings of equality, selfless service, and social justice.

Vaisakhi is the holiest day of the Sikh Calendar, where the community comes together at local gurdwaras and Khalsa Day parades.

In Canada, this month is also Sikh Heritage Month, and from coast to coast to coast Canadians will be celebrating the contributions of your community.

Whether it’s in gurdwaras, in our workplaces, or in our communities – the Sikh community has always been there to lift us up with an unfaltering commitment to seva.

When you gather this year, I’d like to thank you.

Thank you for doing your part to strengthen Canada’s national fabric. And thank you for sharing your faith and the values it represents with all of us. They encourage us to be better.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.