Come 27 November and practising Sikh Canadians will be allowed to carry their kirpans on domestic and international flights, except those going to the US announces Transport Canada.

In a welcome relief to all practising Sikh Canadians, Transport Canada has taken a decision to allow Kirpans with a blade of 6 centimetres on domestic and international flights barring those terminating in the US, from 27 November 2917 onwards.

As per the announcement, Transport Canada has amended the prohibited items list so that “very small knife blades (6 cm or less—about the size of a large paper clip) will not be prohibited on domestic or international flights.”

The World Sikh Organization of Canada has welcomed the decision as earlier this year WSO had reached out to Transport Canada encouraging the adoption of the international standard so that Sikhs wearing the kirpan could be accommodated.

“These changes to screening procedures will bring Canada in line with international standards and our partner countries, while continuing to keep passengers safe.”

Marc Garneau, Canadian Minister for Transport

Sikhs in India are allowed to wear the Kirpan on domestic flights.

While announcing the change in policy, Minister for Transport Marc Garneau has stated that, “The safety and security of Canadians, the travelling public, and the transportation system are Transport Canada’s top priorities. These changes to screening procedures will bring Canada in line with international standards and our partner countries, while continuing to keep passengers safe. The Government of Canada remains vigilant in continuously assessing security risks.”

WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “we welcome today’s announcement.  We had shared our concerns with Transport Canada last spring with respect to the accommodation of small kirpans and remained in communication with them over this matter.  By adopting the European Union standard on blade length, Sikh travellers in Canada will be able to wear kirpans with blades of up to 6cm in length.”

“We welcome today’s announcement. By adopting the European Union standard on blade length, Sikh travellers in Canada will be able to wear kirpans with blades of up to 6cm in length.”

Mukhbir Singh, President, WSO

Singh Sabha Mumbai General Secretary Manmohan Singh told the WSN, “This is a significant development. Both the WSO and Transport Canada deserve congratulations for their approach and understanding of the significance of the 5 Ks.”

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Taking a practical standpoint, WSO has apprised Sikh travellers that adherence would be strictly enforced and has called upon practising Amritdhari Sikh travellers to comply.