Sikh Canadians and Indo-Canadians
Have Honoured Ms. Chotalia's Work in
Defending the Rights of the Indo-Canadian Community
Sikh Society of Calgary - Human Rights Recognition Award
Ms. Chotalia has Helped Sikh Canadians throughout her legal career. In 1994 and 1995, she had the privilege of arguing the Sikh "turban case" Grant v. Canada A.G (1995) 125 D.L.R. (4th) 556 (F.C.A.) aff'd (1994) 81 F.T.R. 95 (F.C.T.D.)(Reed J.) Sikh RCMP officer found to have a constitutional right to wear turban and government’s decision to accommodate him was required to protect freedom of religion:
"The defendants and the intervenors, particularly the able argument of Ms. Chotalia for the Alberta Civil
Liberties Association, turn the plaintiffs' argument respecting discrimination on its head. They argue that
the Commissioner's decision was designed to prevent discrimination occurring to Khalsa Sikhs. As such they argue
that the decision offends none of the provisions of the Charter, indeed that it is required by section 15 of the
Charter."
Decision para 103
Supported Fair implementation of Bicycle Helmet Law in Alberta / exemption for Sikh youth - 2002; Calgary Sikh Gurudwara
"The defendants and the intervenors, particularly the able argument of Ms. Chotalia for the Alberta Civil
Liberties Association, turn the plaintiffs' argument respecting discrimination on its head. They argue that
the Commissioner's decision was designed to prevent discrimination occurring to Khalsa Sikhs. As such they argue
that the decision offends none of the provisions of the Charter, indeed that it is required by section 15 of the
Charter."
Decision para 103
Supported Fair implementation of Bicycle Helmet Law in Alberta / exemption for Sikh youth - 2002; Calgary Sikh Gurudwara
Other Cases Regarding Right of Canadians To Wear TurbanBrah v. Subway Franchise Systems (2002 - 2006) (Alta H.R.Com.) Discrimination re: turban; public services
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Other Efforts to Defend the Rights of Canadian Sikhs to Wear the TurbanShe supported the Fair Implementation of Bicycle Helmet Law in Alberta and seeking an exemption for Sikh youth on behalf of Calgary Sikh Gurudwarda in 2002.
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Special Recognition Award - Council of India Societies of EdmontonFor Service to the community - Indira Shah Award – 2009
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2011
Ms. Chotalia also shared her views on Gender Equality at this event initiated by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) and spoke about Advancing Equity – The Focus On Gender (http://acelebrationofwomen.ca/). |
Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Award-RecognitionFor Community Contribution, 2000
Bangladesh Flood Relief Effort - Benefit Concert 1991 - Brought together diverse South Asian community (Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian) to fund raise for relief effort |
Other Awards - BAPSMs. Chotalia has received many other Recognitions from the Community.
For example, Recognition of Merit: 2010: BAPS Temple Toronto. |