WSO In Touch: The Kirpan Kerfuffle & More

In this issue we'll be talking about:

1) Update on the 'Kirpan Kerfuffle'
2) WSO Speaks Out Against Visa to Modi
3) WSO Seeks Executive Director

1) Update on the ‘Kirpan Kerfuffle’
Background
On January 18^th, 2011, WSO’s team was scheduled to make submissions to the Quebec National Assembly’s Committee on Institutions regarding Bill 94. Bill 94 would deny essential government services, public employment, educational opportunities and health care to individuals who wear facial coverings, specifically those Muslim women who wear the niqab. WSO submitted a written brief on the Bill stating that the law would be both socially and legally offensive. The brief can be found online athttp://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/travaux-parlementaires/commissions/CI/mandats/Mandat-12329/memoires-deposes.html

WSO’s team was not permitted to enter the National Assembly because members of its team were wearing the kirpan. To see WSO’s news release on the issue please seehttp://www.worldsikh.ca/news-release/world-sikh-organization-excluded-quebec-national-assembly-0

To see some of the mainstream media coverage please see http://www.worldsikh.ca/wso_in_the_news

The Mark News also published an Op Ed by WSO legal counsel Balpreet Singh which can be read at http://www.themarknews.com/articles/3897-from-one-minority-to-another. Balpreet Singh argues that as a minority, Quebec cannot protect its identity by suppressing the rights of other minorities.

Motion to Support Kirpan Ban in the Quebec Assembly

On February 9, 2011 the Quebec Assembly voted unanimously in favour of a PQ motion to support the barring of the kirpan in the National Assembly building. WSO issued a release which can be seen at http://www.worldsikh.ca/news-release/world-sikh-organization-disappointed-passing-quebec-motion

Steps Being Taken by WSO

In the aftermath of the ‘Kirpan Kerfuffle’, WSO has prepared documents explaining the kirpan, both in English and French. The documents can be found and downloaded from our website at http://worldsikh.ca/page/understanding-kirpan.

WSO sent letters to the National Assembly’s Sergeant at Arms Jean-Francois Roberge as well as to Premier Jean Charest and Minister Kathleen Weil, inviting them to sit down and discuss any concerns they may have with regards to the kirpan and also to work out an accommodation policy, similar to those which exist at the Parliament of Canada,Supreme Court of Canada and the various provincial legislatures. We are still awaiting a response.

WSO will continue to work on this issue to ensure that Sikh rights are respected. Access to the Legislature is a democratic rights that must be afforded to Quebec Sikhs.

2) WSO Speaks Out Against Visa to Modi

WSO issued a news release expressing concern over reports that the Conservative Government may extend an invitation to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi who was implicated in the Godhara massacre in which close to 2,000 Muslims were slaughtered by organized mobs. Please see WSO’s release at http://worldsikh.ca/news-release/wso-protests-visa-indian-politician-tainted-human-rights-record

3) WSO Seeking Executive Director

WSO is seeking applications for the position of Executive Director. Applications can be sent to Gian Singh Sandhu by email at gianssandhu@gmail.com. Please see a description of the position below:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reporting to the Board of Director, or their designate, the Executive Director is responsible for establishing and execution of policies developed by the board of directors; communicating with membership; forging partnership with like minded organizations; and improving relationships with provincial and federal governments.
Responsibilities
1.       Provide consistent, visible leadership, direction and guidance of WSO activities – to walk the talk.
2.       Clearly understand WSO mission and objectives, and institute appropriate steps to achieve these.
3.       Work in accordance with WSO policies and ensure compliance.
4.       Develop annual and monthly budgets and prepare short and long term strategic policies to raise funds.
5.       Monitor news that affects human rights in general and Sikhs in particular, and recommend WSO response.
6.       Keep abreast of new or changes to existing legislations and work with our legal team to prepare submissions for Ministers, Legislative and Parliamentary committees.
7.       Represent the WSO to regulatory bodies, other agencies, community and civic organizations, donors, funders and supporters and the general public.
8.      Recommend to the Board changes to policies and procedures that would improve the organization. 9.      Develop policies to improve Sikh community image and co-ordinate appropriate functions to raise WSO profile.
10. Co-ordinate seminars and workshops to educate Sikh and non-Sikh population.11.   Communicate to Sikh masses of all relevant activities that the WSO is involved in on a day to day basis.
Qualifications
University degree in related fields or a Diploma in communication, public relations, and fundraising from a recognized educational institution
Minimum 3 years experience
Exceptional communication skills in English.
Knowledge of Punjabi is essential and French will be an asset

If you would like to get involved with WSO or would like to donate please visitwww.worldsikh.ca

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.


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