Asserts WSO is a non-partisan human rights organization
OTTAWA, CANADA - The World Sikh Organization (WSO) of Canada issued a stated correcting the recent reports that it has endorsed candidates or is involved in nomination battles in the Liberal Party of Canada.
A CBC report stating that the WSO is involved in the backroom battles among warring Liberal Party members is not only inaccurate, it is defamatory. The WSO requested media outlets to contact the WSO before repeating and spreading this misinformation. The organization stated that allegations that the WSO is linked to, endorses, or supports any form of violence are false and malicious.
The press release mentioned that the WSO legal counsel has been in touch with CBC management, and stated that the WSO is a non-partisan, human rights organization, with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights of all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.
The organization clarified that they do not as a matter of policy, endorse or support any specific political party or individual candidates.
Furthermore, the WSO stated that like many other Canadian organizations, is comprised of individual members who have diverse interests that run across the social and political spectrum and maintains its independence from all political parties.
The press release concluded: "December 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the WSO. The organization has been at the forefront of addressing human rights issues through dialogue, education and engagement with the legal system, including three appearances at the Supreme Court of Canada. We stand proudly by our record of service."
