Recognizing her stellar role in the social and legal life of Canadian society, Palbinder Kaur Shergill has been appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster.

In a remarkable move, achieving a new height for her own person and for the Sikh community in Canada and the Sikh nation across the globe, Punjab-born and Canada citizen, a counsel of repute who has achieved many a public victory for a variety of Sikh, Jewish and Christian causes, Palbinder Kaur Shergill has been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster.

Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced the appointment of Justice Shergill to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster, effective immediately.

Last year, we had turbaned Sikhs in the Canadian Parliament. Now a turbaned Sikh lady is a member of the Canadian judiciary. Sikhs in Canada never had it so good. Years and decades of dedicated hard work, commitment to the cause of the Sikh nation, the never-say-die spirit of the Sikh Diaspora for more than a century and congenial and inclusive social and political environment of Canada has been enabling Sikhs to reach the pinnacle of their growth and glory.

“It is a proud moment for all Gursikhs. For the first time, a turbaned person -male or female would be presiding as a judge and this is a proud moment for the Sikh community. I see a very bright future for the Sikhs in Canada.- Gian Singh Sandhu”

I have had the privilege to interact with her during my Canadian tours regarding many issues like the permission she obtained from court allowing Kirpan to be worn by Sikhs during the Winter Olympics in Canada in 2010, the way she took up and won the case when Catholics were not allowed to teach Ethics in schools in Quebec and many other social and political issues confronting the Sikhs in Canada.  She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2012 and is also a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Community Service. Palbinder Kaur does soul-stirring Kirtan, plays the tabla and harmonium and proficient in TaeKwondo.

In addition to her volunteer work in the Sikh community, Justice Shergill also served as a Governor for the Trial Lawyers Association of BC and as a Director on the Fraser Health Authority Board from 2002 to 2008.  She is also a past Chair of the National Administrative Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

Commenting on her appointment, WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “The appointment of Justice Shergill is another milestone for the Sikh community in Canada.”

WSN was preparing to interview her for her role and contributions, but alas that was not to be. Now that she is already a judge, she is beyond interviews.  Nevertheless, speaking to WSN on the phone, her father and senior WSO leader Gian Singh Sandhu said, “It is a proud moment for all Gursikhs. For the first time, a turbaned person -male or female would be presiding as a judge and this is a proud moment for the Sikh community.” “I see a very bright future for the Sikhs in Canada.”

Palbinder Kaur’s elevation as a judge has prompted me to recall the words enshrined in the first constitution of the All India Sikh Students Federation, “The Sikhs aspire the creation of an environment in which the true aspirations of the Sikhs find its fullest satisfaction.” Canada is certainly providing such an inclusive, open and free atmosphere for the Sikhs and everyone else.