NOW SIKHS IN CANADA CAN TRAVEL IN FLIGHTS WEARING KIRPANS

As per the new rules in Canadian transport, Sikhs now can travel in flights wearing small Kirpans. World Sikh Organisation of Canada (WSO) welcomed Transport Canada’s decision to amend the list of prohibited items so as to allow blades of up to 6 cms in length on domestic and international flights in Canada.

This is to be noted that World Sikh Organization (WSO) had reached out to Transport Canada urging the entity to adopt the international standard so that Kirpan wearing Sikhs could be allowed to travel in flights.

Expressing his delight over the decision, WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, ““We welcome today’s announcement. We had shared our concerns with Transport Canada last spring with respect to the accommodation of small kirpans and remained in communication with them over this matter. By adopting the European Union standard on blade length, Sikh travellers in Canada will be able to wear kirpans with blades of up to 6cm in length. It is important to understand however, that the size requirements will be enforced strictly and Sikh travelers wishing to travel with their kirpan meets the size requirements.”

Apart from this decision, razor blades and box cutters of any size will remain banned while introducing new rules, carrying 350 millimetres of certain powders and granular materials, such as baby powder or bath salts will be prohibited to carry in flights.