Trudeau reaffirms commitment to issue apology for Komagata Maru incident

August 5, 2015

TORONTO – On Sunday, at one of his first stops of the campaign, Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau attended the 20th annual Mela Gadri Babian Da in Surrey, British Columbia. Speaking to a crowd of over 10,000 people, Mr. Trudeau highlighted the significance of this important cultural event.

“Canada is a country defined by its multiculturalism,” said Mr. Trudeau. “Our rich diversity is a source of strength for our country. We are fortunate to have hundreds of thousands of Sikhs who contribute to – and enrich – the national fabric of our country.”

During his remarks, Mr. Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment that a Liberal government would issue a formal apology for the Komagata Maru incident in 1914. He also highlighted that, in 2008, the Liberal Party introduced a motion in the House of Commons that called for this apology – and it passed unanimously.

“A formal apology for the Komagata Maru incident is long overdue in Canada’s Parliament,” said Mr. Trudeau. “Yet, six years after Parliament unanimously passed a Liberal motion for an apology, Stephen Harper and his government have yet to apologise.”