The World Sikh Organization published a federal election strategy demanding that federal leaders give preferential treatment to Sikhs when it comes to workplace requirements and immigration.
The guide requests special treatment and religious exemptions for Sikh workers to be exempt from wearing respirators and hardhats in workplaces where such equipment is mandated for safety.
The WSO argues that current safety gear can conflict with religious attire of Sikh men like their turbans and beards, and wants federal backing for an innovation fund to create alternative protective equipment that aligns with Sikh beliefs.
Canada’s occupational health and safety regulations currently apply uniformly across industries, regardless of religious affiliation, treating everyone equally.
In addition, the WSO is calling for a simplified path to permanent residency for international students, many of whom come to Canada on temporary study permits with the intention to work and gain permanent residency.
The organization also demands mental health funding specifically allocated to the Sikh community, though Canada’s healthcare system generally prioritizes needs based on individual medical conditions rather than ethnicity or religion.
The list of demands comes as political parties seek support from various communities in the lead-up to the federal election. While community engagement and identity politics is a regular feature of Canadian politics, no major party has formally responded to the list.
Currently the Sikh community in Canada is the largest community of Sikhs anywhere in the world outside of India, with around 800,000 adherents in the country.
Prior to the current election, there were more Sikhs (15) in Canada’s federal house of commons than in India’s parliament (11).
The WSO claims that Sikhs are the fourth largest religious community in Canada, and are the fastest growing.