The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is hosting a panel discussion in Surrey, Calgary and Winnipeg this weekend (April 24- 26) about the rise of hatred towards Sikh people in Canada and what can be done to address it.
The events coincide with the recent launch of the WSO’s report on Understanding & Addressing Anti-Sikh Hate in Canada, a 78-page report funded by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
“Join us for the launch of our Anti-Sikh Hate Report, where we’ll break down the realities our community faces and come together for an important panel discussion on solutions, awareness and action,” reads the event description.
The events are free, but organizers ask people to register in advance on Eventbrite.
The report combines data from over 1,600 Sikh Canadians surveyed between January and March 2025 and from relevant town halls across the country.
It found that 80 per cent of respondents felt that hate and discrimination towards Sikhs had increased over the past five years, with 65 per cent reporting they had been verbally harassed.
The report found that anti-Sikh hate mainly stemmed from racism, xenophobia and disinformation from India. It defined it as “prejudice or hostility against individuals who are or are perceived to be Sikh based on their appearance, beliefs, or advocacy related to their identity.”
To read the full report, visit worldsikh.org.
About the Author: Anna Burns
I cover breaking news, health care, court, Vancouver Rise FC, Vancouver Goldeneyes and social issues-related topics for the Surrey Now-Leader. anna.burns@surreynowleader.com Follow Anna on Twitter.