Canada’s cultural diversity continues to grow richer and stronger, thanks to the countless contributions of its many communities. One of these is the Sikh Canadian community, which for more than a century has played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s identity, growth, and prosperity.
Recognizing the significant impact of Sikh Canadians, the Government of Canada is reinforcing its support for Sikh culture and heritage through strategic investments outlined in Budget 2024. Today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, highlighted these efforts during their visit to the Gurdwara Sahib Paldi in Duncan, British Columbia.
As part of Budget 2024, the government will allocate $1.8 million to the Indus Media Foundation in Surrey, B.C., to complete a short film that explores the shared military heritage between Canadian and Indian soldiers during the First and Second World Wars. Additionally, beginning in 2024-25, an $11 million investment will be made over two years to support the development of new museums and cultural centers. This includes a $6 million contribution toward the Sikh Arts & Culture Foundation and the Royal Ontario Museum’s project to establish a dedicated space in Toronto for Sikh arts, culture, and heritage.
Minister Khera emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “Sikh history is Canadian history. It is a history filled with immense resilience, compassion, determination, and strength. The investments in Budget 2024 will ensure that the story of Sikhs in Canada, and the many incredible contributions that Sikhs have made to our country, are known now and for generations to come.”
Maninder Sidhu, MP for Brampton East, praised the investments, saying, “This support will help preserve and share Sikh heritage with future generations, fostering greater understanding of the remarkable contributions Sikh Canadians have made to this country. It’s not just about recognizing the past, but ensuring the future generations have a chance to embrace and celebrate their heritage.”
Ruby Sahota, MP for Brampton North, echoed this sentiment, adding, “The investments made by our government will not only highlight the rich history of Sikh Canadians but also help build stronger cultural connections within our communities. It is a proud moment for us to see Sikh arts and culture being recognized at such a significant level.”
The government’s investment goes beyond preserving cultural stories—it also serves to honor the shared history between Sikhs and Canadians, particularly in the military realm. Steve Purewal, Director of the Indus Media Foundation, spoke to this, noting, “This project marks a crucial step in restoring the stories and dignity of Canadian communities whose sacrifices for our democracy and freedom have gone unrecognized. The funding announced today honors the shared military heritage of Sikh and Canadian soldiers who fought together as British subjects in two world wars.”
Josh Basseches, Director and CEO of the Royal Ontario Museum, expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment, remarking, “The Royal Ontario Museum is tremendously grateful for the $6 million commitment to the Gallery of Global Sikh Art and Culture in the 2024 federal budget. Developed with the support of the Sikh Arts and Culture Foundation of Canada and the broader Sikh community, this future gallery will be an important expansion of the museum’s suite of galleries devoted to South Asia.”
With these investments, the Government of Canada is not only celebrating the remarkable contributions of Sikh Canadians but also building a more inclusive and stronger future for the country.
4o