Madam Speaker, this Sikh Heritage Month let us all recognize and appreciate the important contributions the Sikh community has made and continues to make to Canada's socio-economic, political and cultural heritage.

Sikhism's core principles include equality, generosity, openness and compassion. I would like to recognize Gurdev Bal, Manjit Sandhu, Sanyogta Bhandari, Dr. Inderjit Singh Sambi, Harbhajan Sekhon and Dalip Singh Parwana, who have worked hard both inside and outside of the Ottawa Sikh Society.

I would also like to appreciate leaders like Kanwar Hazrah, Narinder Sra, Gurpal Grewal and Tejprit Dulat, who have worked hard for the Sikh community and beyond in Ottawa.

These leaders represent the true spirit of the Sikh community by being there for their communities through seva, which is selfless service.