"We are on the same crossroads as we were 125 years before as far as issues related to working class and their problems" said Baljinder Sekhon(North American Rationalist Society) while narrating the historic event of Hay Market, Chicago in 1886. Arif Raza, from Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadian emphasized the need to get organized while putting up a united fight against the onslaught of Capital. Kulwinder Khehra (Kalma da Kafila) explained the pathetic working conditions of immigrant labor in Canada, equating farm workers situation of Canadian Farm workers with Punjab's farm workers. Chandra Rai from Progressive Nepalese in America also gave accounts of his country and the dismal conditions of working class.Dr Hardeep Singh explained the impact of austerity measures implied to Health sector and its implication on the working class. Surjit Sahota (Indo-Canadian Workers Association) gave detailed account of role of the left parties in Indian subcontinent and their role in freedom struggle. Balraj Shokar, newly elected convener of North American Rational Society said in his keynote speech that its high time to demand complete separation of religion from State, he outrightly rejected the rise of RSS in Indian polity and called upon all left and democratic forces to dislodge Modi Govt at soonest. Dave McKee, Leader of Communist Party of Canada Ontario also explained the implications of ongoing treaty called TPP. He also condemn the Liberal policies in Middle East, sale of Canadian Arms to Saudi regime.
Comrade Harinder Hundal made a compassionate appeal for the fund to the public and people gave a generous donation of $350.00
On the cultural part, senior poet, playwright, theater activist Harjit Bedi recited his poems, Arooj Aarooj read her sensitive Nazm on the condition of child labor, Baljit Dhaliwal recited ghazal written by his husband Balraj Dhaliwal
Baljit Bains, Sumeet Bains brothers sang a revolutionary song of revolutionary poet Jaimal Singh Padda who was shot down by terrorist in Punjab.
Brampton May Day Committee which represents more than eight grass root organizations successfully celebrated May Day consecutively second year. More than fifty people attended the three and half hour long program. Ex MLA Sukhdev Singh from Punjabi Sabhyachar Mach also came to the dais. Wilfred Szczesny (Organizer of GTA West Club CPC) conducted the event in a professional way. Content wise,It was rich program and successful in terms of turn out. Many entertainer could not show up since they were busy in other programs in Toronto, Brampton May Day Committee will take a note of it for future and ensure there is no clash of the dates for participants. Senior trade unionist leader Baldev Padam came to the podium to say Word of Thanks.
