PM Mark Carney joins community service at Ottawa to celebrate Sikh heritage month | Watch

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa on Saturday to mark Sikh Heritage Month, joining members of the community in a show of solidarity and appreciation for their contributions to the country.

During the visit, Carney took part in seva, or selfless service, as part of wider efforts by his administration to recognise the cultural and economic impact of the Sikh community in Canada.

Accompanied by local leaders, the Prime Minister interacted with devotees and also spent time in the langar, the community kitchen, where he joined volunteers in preparing and serving food. The gesture highlighted key Sikh values such as service, equality and community spirit.

After the visit, Carney shared a message on social media, noting that Canada is home to the second-largest Sikh population in the world. He said Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to honour generations of Sikh Canadians who have helped shape the country. “We celebrate the women and men who have contributed to our shared prosperity, strengthened our communities, and helped build a stronger Canada,” he said.

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He also described the Sikh journey in Canada as one defined by resilience and meaningful contributions across sectors, including healthcare, business and public service.

The visit comes alongside a series of events being held across the country to mark the occasion. Among them is a new exhibition titled Baaghi ja Badshah (Rebel or King), which explores key moments in Sikh history. The showcase presents the community as both champions of justice and ethical leadership, drawing on the idea of Halemi Raj, a vision of fair and compassionate governance that many say resonates with Canada’s democratic values.

Carney’s outreach also follows recent celebrations such as Vaisakhi (New Year) events organised in cities like Toronto.