One of the wonderful advantages of living in Manitoba is the fact that we have such a diverse population, with people who have come to our province from all over the world. It enriches our society culturally and economically. It improves our ability to trade with people around the world. We are blessed as a result. This weekend, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a major Sikh celebration and a Hindu wedding ceremony.
The Sikh Anniversary: Sunday afternoon, in Memorial Park just north of the Legislature, I joined many thousand of Sikhs in celebrating the 407th anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikh religion. This is a very special day for Sikhs. Indeed, a number of years ago, in 1999, our Liberal MLA for Inkster, Kevin Lamoureux, (now the Liberal MP for Winnipeg North) moved a resolution in the Manitoba Legislature to recognize this Anniversary. It was seconded by Marcel Laurendeau, now our Liberal candidate in St. Norbert. It received unanimous support from all MLAs, and as a result for the first time this important event was recognized in the Manitoba Legislature. Today, the Sikh population in Manitoba is growing. After ten years, a Punjab Cultural Centre is now under construction. I felt honoured and fortunate to be able to join many friends in the Sikh community yesterday.
The Hindu Wedding: On Saturday, Naomi and I were pleased to be able to join others to celebrate the wedding of Samantha Charran and Paul Turenne. They were married in a Hindu ceremony (above). Samantha worked in my office at the Legislature as my Communications Officer in 2007 and 2008. Paul is a reporter for the Winnipeg Sun. Paul and Samantha - Naomi and I wish you the very best in your lives together.
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