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Sikhs don't accept apology for Komagata Maru

JEREMY HAINSWORTH

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 9:15 PM EST 03/08/08

Words should be delivered on the floor of the House of Commons, community member says ...Read the full article

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  1. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: I am sorry but for something happened nearly 100 years ago I am not going to support that we open the taxpayers wallets or hold apologies on the floor of the house of commons, or we would have one a week.

    IMHO the Seiks are very fortunate to live in a country where they can practice their religion and beliefs very freely and in fact turn parts of Canada in to miniature copies of their own country which they fled for some reason!
  2. Bob Smith from Montreal, Canada writes: Have the Sikhs apologized for killing Hindus? Have the Muslims apologized for killing Hindus and Sikhs? Have the Hindus apologized for the Black Hole of Calcutta? Has the Air India bombing been resolved? Have the French apologized for 1066? Has Macedonia apologized for Alexander the 'Great' sending armies in all directions? Has Rome apologized to Carthage? Has Cain apologized to Abel? Have Adam and Eve apologized to God? And what about the snake?
  3. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: The PM did the right thing to apologize for what was clearly a racist event. However it was an isolated incident and was not to the same pervasive degree of the Chinese Head Tax policy.

    The Chinese community had by and large warmly accepted the PM's actions. A few demanded more compensation but common sense pervailed.

    The Sihk community at large , not some activists , have to determine if the apology is sufficient. Ultimately, it is really the Canadian public that should decide if such apology is proportionally appropriate.
  4. Robert Bland from Calgary, Canada writes: I was turned away once for a Canada Council grant.

    Can I, too, get an apology from the floor of the House of Commons?
  5. gran2006 skipper from Hamilton, Canada writes: jeremy k you are a disgrace to your country.
  6. Michael Kirkland from Vancouver, Canada writes: Was Kirk cheating really that bad?
  7. james cyr from Balmertown Ontario, Canada writes: Harper can apologize for this all he wants, as long as no taxpayer dollars are paid.
  8. Let me tell You How It Is from United States writes: Hey I want an apology as well for all the anti-American words said and written and all the anti-American actions done by Canadian government officials ranging from Pierre Trudeau, to MP Parrish to Jean Chretien and Paul Martin. It is caused much stress in me and decreased my sense of self-worth. Not only that it makes me feels scared and insecure visiting Canada and with the big Omar Khadr fan club in Canada it is concerning as we Americans can be identified by our licence plates.
    I want a freaking apology and some freakin money. And yes I want an apology in Parliament and yes Americans who belong to my narrow minded but exlcusive 'Let me tell You How It Is ' American Canadian Cultural Society will have a vote on this and maybe we might accept the apology only if the PM gets on his knees and trembles a bit . But mostly we want the freakin money.
  9. dean spence from Canada writes: I'm not sure which is stupider; thinking an apology makes some kind of difference, or whining because you didn't like it. We seem to have no respect or knowledge of our national history, unless it involves some group with a grievance.
    Hey, what's that phrase? 'Not in my name...'
  10. The Real PS from Canada writes: At-a-boy Let me,and you're right, many Canadians have been very rude to Americans, Parrish alone ows you big time. Stand up for your rights.

    Oh hang on, your probably white, your case doesn't count, sorry
  11. North Star from Canada writes: Jason Kenney defending Harper? Kenney has already apologized in the House to Sikhs - except that it was for disparaging comments Kenney made about them.
  12. Jeff S from Canada writes: This Apologizing is getting a bit ridiculous.

    Last time I checked Canada has the right to turn anyone away if it so chooses.

    Worst thing is all political parties are adopting this stance, as if they wanted a verbal apology.

    Money. Cold hard currency is all they want for an apology.
  13. matt s from De Winton Alberta, Canada writes: Why doesn't the sikh community apologize for Air India? How about ratting out the people responsible. This occured in the 1980's. The Komagata Maru occurred 100 years ago. Get a life whiners! The Canadian government has nothing to apologize for.
  14. jer greene from Montreal, Canada writes: Well, Harper has been using the cheap apologies for various Canadian crimes quite a lot, of course to gain sympathy and votes from several ethnic groups. Apologies have to be sincere to be accepted. What makes his 'apologies' here and elsewhere sincere? His government balks at them individually. What a joke.
  15. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Jeez, it's getting embarrassing...Harper apologizing for real and perceived wrongs of governments of the past. Stop it already, you're not speaking for a majority of the citizens.
  16. D F from Canada writes: They can ask India government or British for apology
    Why Canadian?
    Are they going to apology for air India bombing?
    Are they going to apology for killing Muslim Hindu Christian and other religion group in India 1947?
    I am not a racist
    But why they have to call me white guy
    If I call them by skin name they will say you are racist.
    At work they call me hey you white guy
    If they do not like it here or they do not like this country or government they can go back to India .
  17. North Star from Canada writes: Not enough votes (Sikhs) to make it worth it for Harper it seems.
  18. ISGORDO ACLOWN from Canada writes: A rare circumstance where I will support Harper. The appolgy given is enough. Around the world there are many instances where similar apologizes shoild be given - the English have never apologized for taking my families land in Ireland and Scotland.
    If the people that made the decision to ban them wish to come forward and pay cash to the ones barred, they are welcome to - as there is not a chance this can happen the issue is closed as far as I am concerned.
    As if any of us are responsible for decisions made by our great Grandfathers generation.
  19. Harbinger from Out West from Canada writes: I believe the captain of the Komogata Maru back then was murdered by someone disenchanted with the situation. An apology would be all that is needed. Sure hope this entry doesn't close the comments like it did last time.
  20. Greg Gyetko from Dunrobin, Canada writes: I've always understood that there are three parts of an apology: saying it; making up for it; not doing it anymore.

    In the case of the natives, Canada paid restitution and should improve its policies.

    What does the Sikh community want? Should money go to the long-since dead? Is our immigration policy still racist in some way? I just don't see what is desired here.
  21. Rose Wong from Toronto, Canada writes: I feel sorry for any unpleasant experiences the Sikhs have gone through. Since the PM has apologised, I hope you can move on and we can all try to make Canada a more harmonious place. We are all Canadians after all, eh?
  22. john doe from toronto, Canada writes: Against the crowd asks: 'Why is the Western World the only one that apologizes?'

    Generally when a country persecutes a minority, commits an atrocity, blatantly discriminates against its citizens, or unlawfully invade another country (in modern times), it apologizes.

    The Japanese government has apologized to China, Korea, etc. for WWII. The Chinese government has apologized to its own citizens for what happened during the cultural revolution.

    In the same way, Canada has apologized to its
    own citizens when the government unlawfully imprisoned it's citizens (Japanese Canadians),
    barred them from entry (Chinese), separated children from their families and abused them (native schools), etc.

    Komagata Maru is a symbol for Sikh Canadians of blatant discrimination in Canada's history. I think it's mainly for its symbolic nature that it's a big issue, so it's answered with the symbolism of an apology.

    Apparently, Harper got his symbolism wrong, so they called him on it. End of story.
  23. J Law from Canada writes: The Descendents of Komagatamaru Society? Obviously some survived and either them or their kin returned to Canada. I also see that most of them aren't sitting against a wall begging for bread so I would guess Canada has been pretty good to them. I would expect a thank you to Canada for helping them better their lives.
  24. Anuradha Bose from ottawa, writes: I wonder how Mr. Toor would feel if the Sikhs of Canada were asked to apologise to the Canadian state and to the citizens of Canada for the Air India bombing.
  25. Typical Toronto Voter from Toronto, Canada writes: 'The Bubble from Canada writes: Unlike many of the people whom Harper is apologizing to, Americans deserve the abuse.'

    Oh yes, the Lefties are so loving and kind and endearing. So different from the hard-hearted Rightwingers. Never vindictive or mean natured. No wonder Toronto is so beloved amongst Canadians from coast to coast.
  26. Harbinger from Out West from Canada writes: It wasn't a snake. It was a 'serpent'.
  27. siren call from Canada writes: I don't know if this apology was really necessary or not -- and apparently neither does Harper.

    Why else would he try to bury this apology on the Sunday of a long weekend? The same long weekend he tried to use to bury the Bernier aff.. scan.. whatever.
  28. Hero Hero from Canada writes: The Sikh community in Canada is a very powerful minority which has the ability to sway votes in any direction.

    Canada's immigration system allows immigrants to bring over their elderly parents and siblings. Also, good for refugees. The Sikh community took advantage of the liberal multiculturalism, and proceeded to bring over rafts of family. As a result, Canada has a very very strong Sikh community.

    Harper was right to apologize. Perhaps he will get some votes from the Sikhs this upcoming election.

    My only beef is that if the Sikhs are not happy with the apology then TOO BAD! Perhaps they should apologize for killing 300 innocent people in the Air India disaster.
  29. Greg Gyetko from Dunrobin, Canada writes: And the serpent had legs. And the serpent shouldn't have to apologize for simply telling the truth.
  30. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Let's see--

    Harper apologizes for an awful incident 100 years ago.

    However, Dion killed the terrorist provisions which might have been applied to certain people re the Air India investigation.

    Who gets the Sikh vote??
  31. Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes: Yeah right, Bob G, like you give a damn about the Indians who died in the Air India crash. All you want, like so many of the haters on here, is a chance to express your bigotry. Why should anyone be thankful that their ancestors were treated like dogs?
  32. Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes: Scorpion D - are you really that stupid? You think the Sikhs come from Greece? Haven't got a clue what you're talking about. Typical hater.
  33. Polar Bear from Empty land, Canada writes: Serves Harper right for indulging in politics of apologizing.

    Sikhs themslves have a lot to apologize about. But, forget it. What is past is past. You are in a wonderful country -have a new life. Please don't show ungratefulness to the kindness of this great nation. If you don't like it, go back to your villages in Punjab.

    Enjoy the freedom. The same freedom which some of you used to kill your own people. India lost a plane (which was outdated anyway), but what did the Sikh's lose? Everything from credibility to popularity.

    Politicians should stop apologizing for votes. And people should start living life instead of worrying about the past. How many from 1914 are alive anyway.
  34. Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes: Against the crowd from Toronto - you almost beat Scorpion for the Stupid Hater Award. What exactly have the Sikhs been doing to Hindus for 'centuries'? What an idiot. The Khalistani (Sikh independence) movement which spawned so much violence was a 20th century phenomenon. It is largely dead and the Indian PM is currently a Sikh.
  35. Anthony B from Maritimes, Canada writes: Harper, stop it with the damned apologies, already! Whenever most these perceived transgressions you're apologizing for occurred, you weren't around; I wasn't around; most Canadians weren't around. That said, all these apologies to ethnic groups ring very hollow, coming from a politician who is leading a minority government and looking for every vote he can get.

    And to those who are still looking for or rejecting an apology, get over it! Your acceptance in Canadian society should be enough. And if it isn't, leave!
  36. J Law from Canada writes: Pearl S. Buck from montreal,

    Why do you hate white people?
  37. Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes: To Bob G, Polar Bear, and ALL YOUR VULGAR, SMUG, PETTY-MINDED ILK:

    You know what takes real 'class'? To welcome guests into your home with grace, dignity and gratitude that they came. Trudeau was a real gentleman. When he died, immigrants were quoted as saying that he thanked them for 'choosing Canada'. These were immigrants who, like my father, worked their a*ses off, lived on sawdust, to send their kids to university, buy homes and 'contribute'. Only to be told, by idiots like you, to 'go home' time and time again.
  38. Raf O from Vancouver, Canada writes: They should consider themselves LUCKY that Harper and Canada is apologetic about that one incident. There has been so much done to further the freedom, traditions, and religions of these people that to not accept such an apology is straight up ungrateful.
  39. Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes: Oh right, J Law, to even think to defend nonwhites from racism is to 'hate white people'. I forgot. We're all supposed to kiss your a*ses all the time. And if we dare to open our mouths we should just GO BACK HOME.
  40. Blasphemous Apostate from Cahones, Mexico writes: Pearl S. Buck from montreal - Canada had at the time, and has to this day, the right to deny entry to ANYONE for ANY reason it sees fit. It is our country and we are free to let in or keep out anyone we wish. Regardless of whether a past decision was guided by racism or concern for national security is irrelevant - the bottom line is that the decision was made and was within the power of the government of the day to make. Live with it.

    We are NOT obligated to take in everyone who arrives on our doorstep. The result of our revolving door immigration policy is easy to see: the Air India bombing, the Toronto 8, the Khadr mess, etc..

    All we see in the media about Sikhs is their support for terrorists in India; the Air India bombing; the murder of Canadian and British officials in BC and abroad around the time of the Maru incident, etc.. We have seen nothing of their contribution to this country. Has there been any contribution, or does all their money and effort go to supporting terrorists back in Asia?

    Perhaps if they spent more time contributing to Canada and less time trying to build a homeland in Asia (I thought they were supposed to be Canadians now?), perhaps you would not see the type of comments on here that seem to upset you.
  41. Jim IIII from Canada writes: Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada, you spew alot of hatred.
    Fed up with Quebec Polites???
  42. Rob Swanson from Edmonton, Canada writes: A regrettable act is apologized for. With the context of time and circumstance this is a suitable apology, and need not be repeated.

    It was an incident, not at all like the systemic racism of the head tax or the native schools issue.

    I hope this is the end of it, and not the beginning of less decent things.
  43. Is there anybody out there? from Canada writes: Harper loves power figures aopolgies buy him power.
  44. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: As a first generation Chinese-Canadian, I felt very fortunate to enjoy the welcoming hospitality of this great land and people.

    When the PM apologised for the Chinese Head Tax, I actualy was not familiar with the issue, it was such a long time ago with whatever the culture of the time, it certainly does not apply to modern day Canada. Having studied the history more, I welcome the PM's apology and would have prefered not to see monetary compensation. This country has more than compensated in accomodating new immigrants.

    Hopefully the Sikh community would appreciate the PM's gesture and close off the chapter, and move forward help build a prosperous and generious country.
  45. Annonymous Doe from Surrey, Canada writes: Myself being a Sikh, I think this whole thing is just political football. What's more important is that we all learn from history so we can have a better society. PM of Canada apologizing whether on the floor of parliament or in front of gathering - for any reason and to any people - one should be gracious in accepting a sincere apology.

    As for this board, unfortunately most people don't know what they are talking about and it just becomes a forum to spew their hate. Today's immigrant is tomorrow's Citizen and they have same issues and concerns as any Canadian - just society, free of racism, drugs and bigotry; safety for kids, low taxes, clean environment, etc.
  46. Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes: Blasphemous Apostate - by that same logic, Canada has the right to expel Jews, for instance, simply because they're Jews, or Blacks, simply because they're Blacks. Is this really the position you are supporting?

    There are PLENTY of stories in the media on Sikhs contributing to public life. Would you recognize a Sikh in the media unless they were wearing a turban? Ujjal Dosanjh is a Sikh. Wally Oppal is a Sikh. Jaspreet Singh is a Sikh. Ruby Dhalla is a Sikh. These are all high profile Canadian Sikhs, none of whom wears a turban (Ruby because she's a chick).

    Why should you blame all Sikhs for the activities of certain elements?
  47. Sir Les Patterson from surfers paradise, Australia writes: whatever happened to my favorite globeandmail contributer, sunny singh sandhu? i dont read the globe as much cause sunny is never here. sunny was so funny
  48. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: As much as it will offend certain c/Conservatives to hear this, Mr. Trudeau warned Canadians about the pitfalls of the apology game: there is no end to the supply of suppliants, and one apology leads to discussion of the merits/demerits of others. I need not mention, of course, the political (aka vote-buying) potential of the apology game.
  49. Annonymous Doe from Surrey, Canada writes: Blasphemous Apostate from Cahones, Mexico writes:
    This post examplifies a typical ignorant and racist attitude. Go and learn what Sikhs have contributed to this Country. At the same time learn about other immigrant communities and their contribution. May be you should list what you have done for Canada other than spread hatred!! Go and check which comuunity has contributed the most per capita to hospitals and food bank in Toronto and Vancouver.
  50. shizdan clause from vancouver, Canada writes: So, Im german.. When do i get my reparations for dresden? I will settle for nothing less than a token harper apology to gain votes!
  51. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Is there anything or any ar$ehloch or fischGesicht harper won't kiss for votes ?

    I guess with the likes of spydoc around the little oracle will always have support for his a## ki$$ing ........

    1914 ??

    Give us a break stevie .................

    spyer send a congratulatory letter to jason keny ..... why don't you. Tell him he does real good COnsjob recognizing ethnic posteriors the COns oracle can kiss for a few votes .......... who's next spyer ??? Will the oracle send a letter to the residents of Rosewell, New Mexico for the spaceman trauma ???

    What will that speech in clagerie sound like ???? We apologized to the wnatstherename because of the libbies ??? adscam ??

    Do the COns feel absolved yet ?? Say a half dozen hail marys, take 2 asprins and call brian mulroney in the morning ..........
  52. Kan Tankerous from Tronna, Canada writes:

    Sikh families have been working, farming and contributing to Canada for more than 100 years in southern B.C.

    They have been here a lot longer than some posting in this forum.

    So why don't they say redneck go back where you came from?

    Because they have too much class.

    They don't believe clumsy schmucks like Jason Kenney.
  53. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Dennis you pinhead.

    Leave it to a typical con hack loser to misinterpret what I meant. But then again, it is way over your empty head.
  54. Bob G - from Hohhot, Canada writes: : Pearl S. Buck from montreal,

    Why do you hate white people?
    J Law

    Pearl- Are you having trouble adapting to the west? Valid criticism is not hate. It's your vivid imagination thats filled with hate.
    Sihks should be thankful for living in Canada just as Anglos and Francos and Italians should.
    Canada is a blessing. When Sikhs complain about it they should be prepared to make it better, not to widen divisions.
  55. Strong North from Canada writes: good, how about appologize to all those who were turned away by Canada!
  56. S.L. S from Small Town, Canada writes: Why not have every member of parliment stand up in the House of Commons and say 'I'm sorry'. That should cover every single person in the world who feels that they have been wronged in some way and then we can move on to important issues that REALLY matter in this country. Enough of all this stupid appology crap for things that happened long before anyone currently in the House of Commons was even born. What a pile of BS.
  57. Hendrick Larose from Canada writes: Those that did not accept the apology have no class. Surely they would have enough cultural acumen to understand that in Canada we are quick to apologize and quick to accept apologies. The act of refusing an apology is disrespectful and they should be ashamed. Cultural awareness goes both ways.
  58. Rose Wong from Toronto, Canada writes: Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes:

    There are PLENTY of stories in the media on Sikhs contributing to public life. Would you recognize a Sikh in the media unless they were wearing a turban? Ujjal Dosanjh is a Sikh. Wally Oppal is a Sikh. Jaspreet Singh is a Sikh. Ruby Dhalla is a Sikh. These are all high profile Canadian Sikhs, none of whom wears a turban (Ruby because she's a chick).

    Yes, and there are many high Sikh achievers, namely Nuclear scientist professor Piara Singh Gill, and Dr. Narinder Sigh Kapany, father of fibre optics.

    People, please try to understand more about the particular group of people before you accuse them of being terrorists. I met a lot of Sikhs in Toronto. They are all very peaceful hard working people.
  59. Midtown Bob from Toronto, Canada writes: “The apology was unacceptable,” said Jaswinder Singh Toor, president of The Descendents of Komagatamaru Society.

    Accept the apology and get on with your life.
  60. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: well done PM Harper. the apology is fine as it stands. if the descendants of those who it was given to wont accept it, then thats their problem.

    lets move on and keep building canada.
  61. sam johnson from Canada writes: hero hero - yup. ALL the sikhs in canada had a secret meeting and decided they would...i just don't get it. you and some other pieces of the klumb kluck klub don't like people without your...what? why not connect your upper orifice to your bottom orifice and take the three step disappearance plan and, poof! begone!
    millions and millions murdered, slaughtered, imprisoned, lined up and shot, gassed, burned.
    and any who escaped and came to this chunk of the planet should be grateful?
    the first nations had a good thing going and these clowns from europe showed up. there goes the neighbourhood.
    everybody should be grateful (for something).
  62. Bob G - from Hohhot, Canada writes: These were immigrants who, like my father, worked their ases off, lived on sawdust, to send their kids to university, buy homes and 'contribute'. Only to be told, by idiots like you, to 'go home' time and time again.

     Posted 03/08/08 at 11:08 PM EDT | Alert Pearl S. Buck

    Pearl- you father worked hard and did well. We are all immigrants except for the Native Indians. My ancestors were Celts. You don't think they took their share of abuse and do to this day from the English.??
    But.... I don't recall the Celts whining . I do recall them fitting in with the new society and building a stronger Canada.
    Are Sikhs doing that ?If so , good.
    That's the issue.
  63. D F from Canada writes: I would like to PM of Australia to apology for calling canada great country
  64. Peter S from Vancouver, Canada writes: As a Sikh myself, I believe the apology is more than sufficient, as long as something similar does not happen again. Harper wasn't there when it happened and he definitely wasn't responsible, so offering an apology like that is more than enough. Second, as for Sikhs not contributing to society and hiding the Air India bombers that's not true. There are Sikhs that are extremists and as proved in two cases, (Reyat in Canada, Parmar in India) they were responsible for the bombings. There were also Sikhs that spoke out about the issue and as a result, Ujjal Dosanjh was beaten and left for dead, Tara Singh Hayer was to be a witness and he was killed, and two other witnesses received death threats.
    There were also Sikhs on the plane that died, it's unfair to proclaim that all Sikhs had a part in it and are proud of it. There are plenty of Sikhs and other immigrants to are productive members of society.
    The final issue about Sikhs killing Hindus, please don't say all Sikhs were just going out Killing Hindus. There has been massive bloodshed in Southern Asia in regards to Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs in which all sides at one time or another fought and it hasn't just been one side.
  65. I R from White Rock, BC, Canada writes: Hey, wasn't this under a Conservative Government run by Sir Robert Borden?
  66. Fred Said from Ahousaht, Canada writes: The Canadian Government passed the Bill of Direct Passage in 1908. RIGHT OR WRONG this was Canadian law. Harper should not be apologizing for the Bill.
  67. Brent Slobodin from Canada writes: Hey, can I get a personal apology from the people of Alberta for inflicting Stephen Harper on Canada? I want compensation too.
  68. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    I want Vern to apologize to me for his egregious attack on my character.

    I posted only two things:

    1) Bob Smith was funny, funny, funny

    2) Apologizing might not garner the same votes as killing anti-terror laws.

    Why do you persecute me Vern....why???....apologize now, on Yonge and Bloor!

    diane--since you hate apologies, let me say I apologize for ever characterizing you as a pseudo-literate, self-deluded windbag.
  69. Rubbish Binny from Canada writes: Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes: Blasphemous Apostate - by that same logic, Canada has the right to expel Jews, for instance, simply because they're Jews, or Blacks, simply because they're Blacks. Is this really the position you are supporting?

    There are PLENTY of stories in the media on Sikhs contributing to public life. Would you recognize a Sikh in the media unless they were wearing a turban? Ujjal Dosanjh is a Sikh. Wally Oppal is a Sikh. Jaspreet Singh is a Sikh. Ruby Dhalla is a Sikh. These are all high profile Canadian Sikhs, none of whom wears a turban (Ruby because she's a chick).

    Why should you blame all Sikhs for the activities of certain elements? _____________________________Would you expect an entire country to apologise for the wrongs of some totally different people 100 years ago?
  70. sam johnson from Canada writes: john f. macdonnor the first 'prime' minister said, ' we're gonna have a drink to this, our very own country, and all you whining women who can't vote, and the same with you labourers and injuns, quit belly-achin' and get to buildin this country in our image.'
    and rapidly drank a tumbler of scotch.
  71. Yussi M from Canada writes: Again, such negativity towards multicultural Canadians from most posters. This messageboard only shows how long a way we still have until true equlity and multiculturalism are reached.

    Sikhs religious rights are continued to be disregarded by the state (see for example the case of motorbiker with turban), despite the charter of rights. A senate apology for at least part of Canada's shameful legacy of discrimination is in order.
  72. Hendrick Larose from Canada writes: Yussi M from Canada writes: Again, such negativity towards multicultural Canadians from most posters. This messageboard only shows how long a way we still have until true equlity and multiculturalism are reached.

    Sikhs religious rights are continued to be disregarded by the state (see for example the case of motorbiker with turban), despite the charter of rights. A senate apology for at least part of Canada's shameful legacy of discrimination is in order.
    ===========================================
    I sincerely hoping you were making a joke. Why would the government apologize for acts of individual Canadians. I think the government apologizes for their actions not every Canadians indiscretions over the years. Please tell me you were joking
  73. Rubbish Binny from Canada writes: Yussi M from Canada writes: Again, such negativity towards multicultural Canadians from most posters. This messageboard only shows how long a way we still have until true equlity and multiculturalism are reached.

    Sikhs religious rights are continued to be disregarded by the state (see for example the case of motorbiker with turban), despite the charter of rights. ate apology for at least part of Canada's shameful legacy of discrimination is in order. __________________Hey, Yussi. Multiculturalism is a myth. And the guy and motorbike thing was handled correctly. Another case of the victim mentality and using your religion as an excuse when you don't get what you want. You discriminate against all others when you do this. You are a joke.
  74. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: pearl buck, please, consign your hatred to the dustbin.... it wont better your life any. love your fellow canadians and lets keep building canada together :-)
  75. sam johnson from Canada writes: bob g - you're a celt too! i remember when i was lookin for a job and these people lookin at me and muttering to each other as though i didn't speak the language, 'he's a celt. you can even smell these creeps. his lingo sure sounds like it. bloody celts, i don't want any of that sort around here. get out!'
    playground fights 'you're a celt! celty shmelty!'
    oh, it was awful.many a night i'd cry myself to sleep.
  76. Rose Wong from Toronto, Canada writes: Rubbish Binny from Canada writes: Pearl S. Buck from montreal, Canada writes:
    Why should you blame all Sikhs for the activities of certain elements? _____________________________Would you expect an entire country to apologise for the wrongs of some totally different people 100 years ago?

    I don't think she is asking for our apologise. I think she is upset about the negative comments that some people make here about the Sikhs. She's a Hindu, why would she want to solicit apologies from us? Please, let's just try to respect each other's differences.

    I agree that an apology from the PM is enough. But to make all kinds of negative comments about this group is a bit too much.
  77. Fred Said from Ahousaht, Canada writes: The real story here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fu9l-h1SBY
  78. bernie schmidt from Toronto, Canada writes: Forgive me, but I am tired of getting beat up for being tolerant.

    I know it's hard for deserving (and well educated and highly experienced) professionals to enter our Canadian world.

    I have highly qualified friends who have come from Latin America and Russia who have trouble finding jobs commensurate with their education and experience - quite frankly, I am embarrassed as a Canadian that these qualified professionals are not given the opportunity to contribute in the positive way that they can.

    Having said that, there are also an endless stream of leeches from outside our country that are willing to manipulate any loophole our immigration system offers.

    This latest insistence of an apology - hey man, go home - if we are not good enough, then take your grievances back to where you came from. See what reaction you get on your home turf.
  79. sam johnson from Canada writes: and the marchers. marching and beating their drums and playing their whatzoos and shouting and singing raucously, 'out celts out of here. be one of us or disappear! go away from here if youcan't be one of us!'

    slowly the celts changed this country and the celts now run it.

    but don't none of you furrun types try to do it!

    be happy you're here and don't be changin nutthin.
  80. Rajiv Thind from Christchurch, New Zealand writes: Yussi M. - What would you say about the assassination of Sikh Canadian publisher and journalist, Mr. Tara Singh Hayer in 1998 by Sikh extremists. (Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TaraSinghHayer ) Apparently, in the multi-cultural and free Canada some of his own Sikh brethren did not honor his freedom of speech.

    Also, in free and multi-cultural Canada forced arranged marriages and persecution of women within some communities (Sikhs included) is not unknown.

    Any apologies or apologia for all that?
  81. Yussi M from Canada writes: Rubbish Binny,

    Multicultiralism is our official policy and the bedrock of Canada's new identity. The guy with motorbike deserves the right to travel in a way consistent with his religion; it's not like his lack of helmet put anybody else at risk.

    Hendrick Larose,

    The government is responsible for the atmosphere of discrimination it creates that leads individuals to act against multicultural Canadians. Things like this failure to apologize on senate floor contribute to that poisoned atmosphere.
  82. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: What is important is that we not obsess about the past (a century ago, roughly three generations) but that we concern ourselves about our present and future conduct.
  83. P S from Canada writes: Wow, this message board is appalling. Racist might be too soft a term for some the ignorance and intollerance on display here. How can people actually paint the behaviours of the people of an entire religion with a single brush? That act is, in and of itself, racist. Diversity exists across all faithlines in the same way it exists in every other aspect of human social organization.

    To top it off this conversation centres around a group of people that have been in this 141 year old country in one capacity or another for over a 100 years -yet the 'go back to your country' farce of an argument is being used in relation to them? The ridiculousness of this should be evident.

    I wonder how those of you advocating this generalising hardline stupidity are going to fare as this country continues its progress to becoming a country of, by and for its immigrant inhabitants. Canadian identity isn't static, it's dynamic. Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Atheists and everyother race, religion, nationality and sexuality are equally fundamental to what defines Canadian identity. All of you need to look long and hard out our constitution -pay particular attention to the part about equality in the Charter.
  84. sam johnson from Canada writes: and poor, decent, tolerant bernie schmidt who suffers the slings and arrows of his raging love for those who are of a different mindset, or culture.
    now he's chosen the narrow road, the one of steady intolerence.
    it's an easier road to drive on.
    a little crowded maybe, but it's great that all those missiles are going out from your direction.
    tolerance has an expiration date, right, bernie?
  85. P S from Canada writes: Bernie Shmidt: CANADA IS 'those people's' home turf!
  86. Annonymous Doe from Canada writes: donald kennedy from Canada writes: Before you try and educate others - educate yourself first and then print the whole truth. The immigration officer was at that time equivalent of running informants and criminals. At his behest and paid by him his informant gunned down Eight people inside a Gurudwara while in prayers (think about peopel murdered during mass in a chruch or during Namaz in a mosque). No one was arrested - no surprise!! Now what would you do - wait for an apology for 100 years or get justice as per that time.
  87. Rose Wong from Toronto, Canada writes: P S from Canada writes: Wow, this message board is appalling. Racist might be too soft a term for some the ignorance and intollerance on display here. How can people actually paint the behaviours of the people of an entire religion with a single brush? That act is, in and of itself, racist. Diversity exists across all faithlines in the same way it exists in every other aspect of human social organization. To top it off this conversation centres around a group of people that have been in this 141 year old country in one capacity or another for over a 100 years -yet the 'go back to your country' farce of an argument is being used in relation to them? The ridiculousness of this should be evident. I wonder how those of you advocating this generalising hardline stupidity are going to fare as this country continues its progress to becoming a country of, by and for its immigrant inhabitants. Canadian identity isn't static, it's dynamic. Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Atheists and everyother race, religion, nationality and sexuality are equally fundamental to what defines Canadian identity. All of you need to look long and hard out our constitution -pay particular attention to the part about equality in the Charter. ----------- Best comment of this forum! Bravo!
  88. Fred Said from Ahousaht, Canada writes: No point apologizing for the 1908 Bill of Direct Passage.
  89. Yogie Bear from The Forest, Canada writes: 'The apology marks the third such reconciliation Harper has made with embarrassing parts of Canada's past.'
    ---------------------------

    When is Harper going to give an apology to the 'majority' of Canadians for the most 'embarrassing part of Canada's past'.

    His 'minority' government.
  90. Hendrick Larose from Canada writes: Yussi M from Canada writes:

    Hendrick Larose,

    The government is responsible for the atmosphere of discrimination it creates that leads individuals to act against multicultural Canadians. Things like this failure to apologize on senate floor contribute to that poisoned atmosphere.
    ==========================================
    Sorry Yussi but I disagree. If you have read the posts, many think the government has already over apologized. Your suggestion would make every apology completely worthless. Sorry to hear you were not joking. I am actually astounded by the expectations of some new Canadians. Everybody is exposed to bias, hate and violence in their lives. While I don't want to compare my experiences to yours I think there are limits as to the governments responsibility for these things. I think we are a more free and independent country than that.
  91. Annonymous Doe from Surrey, Canada writes: Rajiv Thind from Christchurch, New Zealand writes:
    Do not call him a journalist - as they As you sow so shall you reap!!

    Tara Singh Hayer planted the seeds of violence and hatred. He was the biggest proponent of Khalistan when no one else took it seriously. Years later he changed his mind his newspaper became known for pay and mud sling anyone you want. Yes, I abhor violence just like death penalty. But sometimes people get as per their karma. So don't make him a hero and recognize him for what he was. If you want praise people like Ujjal Dosanjh, HErb Dhaliwal, Navdeep Bains who are leaders without blemish.
  92. donald kennedy from Canada writes: PS-Home turf is where you were born and grew up. Mine starts in 1608 with the founding of Quebec city and with the French and English languages from 1784.
  93. sam johnson from Canada writes: to all the 'new' canadians, thanks for coming here. i revel in your food, your music, your wonderful heritage that will contribute the building of canada.
    rose, keep on doin what you're doin. don't give up the good fight.
    good night.
    except the bigots.
    may your snorin keep you up.
  94. Mical Olsen from Coquitlam, Canada writes: Well I'm disappointed at the reaction of a group to an apology that was given for an unfortunate event in our history. Now while I'm distressed that our country treated some identifiable groups in a way that is totally unacceptable by my standards today, I feel that the only meaningful apology should have been given by the Prime Minister at the time. The event in question happened before I was born, in fact almost before my mother was born, so I hardly feel responsible. Now if the temple in Surrey, would only announce it shame for the bombing of a plane, and turn each rock to bring those involved to justice, such as it is in Canada. that would be a much more meaningful, and appreciated action
  95. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: donald kennedy:-- But, your link to such a chain is not of your own doing. It was fortuitous in the sense that you take pride in it. You were a recipient, not a creator. How, then, can you establish it as a standard to which you expect others to adhere, considering that you had no influence over your own meeting of it?
  96. Ben Blargh from BC, Canada writes: KOMAGATA MARU SIKHS WANTED ICBC TO PAY $200 LANDING FEE.
  97. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: matt mcnaughton:-- No, Matt, you hear from some Sikhs - the opining of those who appoint themselves to be mouthpieces for a group. Would you, for example, consider everything that any Canadian Prime Minister has done or said in your adult lifetime to be exactly as if you had done or said it yourself? Have you always agreed? Disagreed? Been indifferent? Ambivalent?
  98. P S from Canada writes: donald kennedy: I'm sorry and please pardon my igorance, but I'm not sure I understand your post. Are you implying that because things were a certain way many years before you, myself or this country was born, that certain members our society closely aligned with that history have right to claim a certain national superiority?
    That argument is akin to claiming that because one person's ancestors arrived in this country before the date another's arrived here, that first person can claim to be more 'Canadian' than the second? The holes in that logic have to be apparent to you.

    Please consider that Canada is a forever changing place, and what it means to be Canadian is changing with it. We can debate the events of Canadian history all we want, but it doesnt change the fact that our demographics are very different today and will be even more different still in the future. All of the events of the past are important in helping us understand how to move ahead -not to stick to singular static notions of how things should be, forever.