News East West
TORONTO: Sikhs visiting Canadian missions will be permitted to retain their kirpans provided these are secured within a sheath, attached to a fabric belt and worn under clothing. They should also be wearing other four symbols mandatory for baptized Sikhs.
Making this policy announcement on Sikh kirpan on Monday, Tim Uppal, minister of state for multiculturalism, said, “Our government’s new kirpan policy will serve as an example and promote Canadian values around the world.’’
Uppal, who is the first turbaned Sikh minister in Canada, added, “Canada’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and freedom of religion is a fundamental Canadian value.’’
Canadian missions have been issued instructions to accommodate the Sikh kirpan while ensuring the physical security of employees.
