WSO

WSO condemns the Quebec government’s plans to ban schoolchildren from wearing religious symbols and articles of faith. Every child should be able to access education without being forced to choose between their faith and their education. For Sikh children, articles of faith, including the dastaar (turban) and patka, are important expressions of their Sikh identity. Banning these articles would place Sikh students in the position of having to compromise their religious beliefs to participate fully in school. WSO urges the Quebec government to reconsider this proposed ban and uphold the fundamental right to freedom of religion.

⁨Join us this November for our community dinners to have a conversation and reflect as we share updates on WSO’s work, discuss our priorities for the year ahead and continue building on the legacy of these gatherings. We’ll be joined by special guest speaker Gurbaj Singh Multani, whose landmark case, Multani v. Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys (2006), affirmed the right of Sikh students to wear kirpans in schools. His case established a significant precedent for religious freedom in Canada and continues to shape conversations around identity and religious accommodation. Drawing from his lived experience, Gurbaj remains engaged in community dialogue and public education, bringing an important perspective to discussions on Sikh identity and religious freedom. 📍 Ottawa | November 18, 6pm–8pm 📍 Brampton | November 20, 6pm–9pm 📍 Edmonton | November 22, 2pm–5pm 📍 Surrey | November 27, 6pm–9pm We look forward to coming together with our community to reflect, reconnect and discuss the work ahead. Register here: linktr.ee/worldsikhorganizat…⁩⁩

Disinformation targeting Sikh Canadians is not just an online issue. It has real-world consequences. Our new report, India’s Disinformation Campaign Against Canada’s Sikhs, examines how misleading narratives are amplified online, repeated by media outlets and used to portray Sikh advocacy as extremism. These narratives can shape public perception by undermining Sikh voices and contribute to an environment where Sikh Canadians face increased discrimination and safety concerns. Understanding how these campaigns operate is an important step towards challenging disinformation and protecting the rights of Sikh Canadians. Read the full report now: worldsikh.org/reports

Parvinder Singh Jhota dedicated his life to exposing Punjab’s devastating drug crisis and government complicity in its spread. His sacrifice underscores the courage required to confront powerful interests. The widespread response to his killing reflects how deeply this crisis resonates with Punjabis and Sikhs worldwide and reinforces the demand for justice and accountability of Punjab's drug crisis.

WSO has released a new report examining India’s Disinformation Campaign against Canada’s Sikhs and their impact on Canadian public discourse. Building on our 2021 report, this latest research examines how fabricated stories can spread through coordinated networks, gain artificial amplification and make their way into Canadian media and public conversations. Understanding these patterns is essential to identifying disinformation and safeguarding trust in Canadian institutions and democracy. Read the report: worldsikh.org/indias_disinfo…

For many years, WSO’s Community Dinners have brought Sikh Canadians together to reflect on the issues that matter to our community and the work still ahead. This November, we’re continuing that tradition with evenings dedicated to reflecting on the past year, sharing what’s ahead, and discussing the projects and priorities shaping WSO’s work in the months to come. We’ll be joined by Gurbaj Singh Multani, whose landmark 2006 Supreme Court of Canada case established the right of Sikh students to wear kirpans in schools as an expression of religious freedom. Join us in Ottawa, Brampton, Edmonton or Surrey to connect with the community and be part of the conversations shaping our future. 📍 Ottawa — November 18 📍 Brampton — November 20 📍 Edmonton — November 22 📍 Surrey — November 27 Register now: linktr.ee/worldsikhorganizat…

On October 14, the Manitoba Legislature unanimously adopted Resolution No. 16, sponsored by MLA @diljeet_brar, standing against anti-Sikh hate. The resolution recognises the contributions of Sikh Manitobans and reinforces the importance of diversity, dignity and mutual respect. Our Anti-Sikh Hate Report found that 91% of identifiable Sikhs, including those who wear dastaars, reported being targeted. This resolution marks an important step towards addressing hate and discrimination and protecting Sikhs across Canada. Read our report: worldsikh.org/understanding_…

Why did CSIS Remove this Foreign Interference Assessment? CSIS recently described India as the “second most pervasive” foreign interference actor in Canada and specifically warned of: • Indian officials, intelligence officers and proxies conducting interference • Efforts to undermine the Canada-based Khalistan movement • Surveillance of community groups • Visa pressure and travel “blacklists” • Threats to family members in India • Disinformation and media influence campaigns CSIS said one objective was to “exert control over ethnic, cultural or religious community groups.” For Sikh Canadians, this is directly about safety, freedom of expression and democratic participation. The page has now been taken down. Why was this information removed? Canadians deserve transparency.⁩

WSO came together in Winnipeg this past weekend for our annual strategy board meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on our work and discuss our priorities to set goals for the year ahead. Balpreet Singh also gave a talk to the community talking about key issues facing Sikh Canadians and the work we can do to strengthen our community.

WSO calls for constructive dialogue on Satkaar and Maryada

Join us in Winnipeg for State of the Panth: Issues That Matter to Sikhs in Canada. Hear from WSO Legal Counsel Balpreet Singh as he discusses key issues facing Sikh Canadians, the state of our community and the work being done to advance religious freedom and justice. 📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026 🕕 6:00pm – 8:00pm 📍 Sikh Society of Manitoba | 1244 Mollard Rd, MB R2P 2T6 Come together and be part of the conversation. Register now: events.humanitix.com/state-o…⁩

Today’s decision is an important step forward for Jagtar Singh Johal and his family. WSO welcomes the news coming out of India concerning the release of British citizen Jagtar Singh Johal, who has spent the past nine years unlawfully detained in India. In 2023, we had the honour of welcoming his brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, to speak about Jaggi’s case and the ongoing efforts to secure his freedom. We are proud to stand alongside the Johal family in raising awareness of Jaggi’s case and ensuring his story continues to be heard. Today’s decision is one step closer to bringing Jaggi home.⁩

Through WSO’s SSA Grant, Sikh Student Associations have brought their ideas to life — from cultural and educational events to workshops, community-building initiatives, and opportunities for students to connect. Our first year of the SSA Grant was a huge success, and we were proud to support SSAs in creating meaningful experiences and strengthening Sikh student communities on campuses. These photos offer a glimpse into the incredible work made possible through the grant. We’re proud to support the next generation of Sikh leaders and support SSAs in building spaces where students can connect and grow together. Applications for the next round of SSA Grants are now open. Apply today: worldsikh.org/ssa_grant⁩