SURREY – New Democrat spokesperson on multiculturalism and MLA for Surrey-Whalley Bruce Ralston issued the following statement in celebration of Vaisakhi on behalf of John Horgan and the B.C. New Democrats.

“We wish British Columbians from all communities a happy Vaisakhi. As we celebrate this important occasion in the Sikh calendar we also acknowledge the many positive contributions to Canadian society made by this community.

“For over one hundred years, British Columbia has been the proud home of one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India. Both Canada and the Sikh community can be proud of the success they have achieved, from business to science, from the arts to politics. As we proudly see the children of older immigrants grow and prosper, new immigrants continue to arrive and find economic and social opportunities, religious freedom, and another generation that can call B.C. home.

“On behalf of the B.C. New Democrats, I hope everyone will join together and experience the generosity of the Sikh community as we celebrate a happy and prosperous Vaisakhi.”