This release was issued under a previous government.

“This week, Albertans of the Sikh faith celebrate Vaisakhi, marking the beginning of the Punjabi New Year and the birth of the Khalsa and Sikh unity more than 300 years ago.

“Alberta is blessed with a wealth of religious practice and many holy days of celebration. Just as Sikh belief contends that all people – regardless of race, religion or gender – are equal in the eyes of God, we acknowledge the equality of all Albertans, throughout our great diversity of faiths and traditions.   

“I am very heartened to learn that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has marked Vaisakhi this year by stating his intention to issue a formal apology in the House of Commons for the Komagata Maru incident of 1914, and the shameful practice that refused Sikhs entry into Canada.

“As Albertans, let us recall Sikh Canadians’ innumerable contributions to our society and join them in this day of celebration.”