B.C. NDP MLA Ravi Parmar has released the following statement:

“1984 is etched in the minds of every member of the Sikh faith. It’s a deeply sensitive moment for people that deserves to be discussed with the deepest sensitivity and respect.

“The procedure today was not on whether to support the motion. In fact, we could not have a vote because of Dhaliwal’s choice of process.

“He did it in a way that he knew would fail and that’s disappointing.

“If the conservatives wanted this to pass, they would have used their designated private members time when they knew it would come to the floor. Or they could have worked across party lines on a plan.

“A topic so serious for our community deserves to be treated that way. This isn’t a topic for scoring political points.

“A proper, respectful process would include consulting with and hearing from the community and faith leaders.”