VICTORIA – B.C. New Democrat Leader John Horgan issued the following statement marking the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

“As Sikhs across Canada and around the world celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the founder of their faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji we are proud to see British Columbia as a home to one of the world’s major religions, with a thriving, vibrant Sikh community.

“Guru Nanak challenged inequality and was ahead of his time in declaring all of humanity as being equal, a lesson we should still heed today.

New Democrat spokesperson for multiculturalism and MLA for Surrey-Whalley Bruce Ralston said, “The values of Sikhism, including compassion, justice, and respect, are also Canadian values which we all share and are reflected in our diverse community.

Horgan said, “On behalf of the New Democrat Official Opposition, I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.”

“Aap sabh noo, Guru Nanak Dev Ji De Parkash Utsav Dee Lakh Lakh Vadaee Hove Ji.”