Ottawa, Canada: Canadian International Exhibition centre Evraz Place allows Sikh visitors to wear Kirpan after WSO intervention

Continuing its ongoing campaign to ensure Sikh rights are protected in Canada, the WSO yet again intervened on behalf of a Sikh family to convince the managers of Evraz Place, formerly known as Regina Exhibition Park in Regina, Saskatchewan to allow Sikh visitors to wear the Kirpan.

Earlier, in August this year, Simarjit Singh Bajwa, his family and friends were stopped from entering Evraz Place in Regina where the annual Queen City EX was being held.  The EX includes rides, foods and stalls.  Security at Evraz Place spotted the kirpans worn by the group and told them that they considered the kirpan a ‘weapon’ and would not allow them on the premises.  Despite their attempts at explaining the religious significance of the kirpan, and offering to conceal the kirpan under their clothing, Simarjit Singh and those with him were not permitted to enter.

Upon intervention by WSO, Evraz Place has now introduced a kirpan policy for guests, according to which, Sikh visitors may wear kirpans of up to 7.5” in length if they are worn in the sheath and restrained in a fabric belt (gatra), underneath the clothing.

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WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “while the Sikh community enjoys a very high profile in Canada these days, we still regularly see cases of Sikhs facing discrimination because of the kirpan and other articles of faith.  Legally there is no reason for any prohibition on the kirpan in any public place but sometimes it requires our organization to inform and educate in order to resolve situations.”