Toronto (Gaganjot): The Canadian Sikh Youth Federation (CSYF) has formally urged the Ontario government to refrain from using Sikh religious stages for political engagement until the ongoing Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) protest is resolved in a fair and transparent manner.
In a letter addressed to Premier Doug Ford, Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister David Piccini, Transportation Minister Prabhmeet Sarkaria, and MPP Hardeep Grewal and MPP Amarjot Sandhu, the organization expressed deep concern over what it described as prolonged inaction and unfulfilled assurances regarding the OINP issue. The federation emphasized that Sikh Gurdwaras are sacred and apolitical institutions, guided by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and are meant to uphold values of truth, justice, and moral responsibility rather than serve as platforms for political messaging.
The CSYF stated that while government officials are welcome to visit Gurdwaras as devotees, such visits should be made without political intent, symbolism, or engagement, particularly while the OINP matter remains unresolved. According to the federation, OINP applicants have been protesting peacefully for over two months, enduring harsh winter conditions while seeking a lawful and timely decision on their immigration applications. The group noted that despite repeated commitments from authorities, applicants continue to face delays and uncertainty.
The organization has called for a clear and concrete resolution by January 14, 2026, and also appealed to Ontario Gurdwara committees to refrain from offering religious stages to political representatives until justice, transparency, and accountability are ensured.
The Canadian Sikh Youth Federation said it hopes the Ontario government will demonstrate principled leadership by addressing the issue decisively and restoring trust among immigrant communities that contribute significantly to the province’s social and economic development.
