Union Zindabad! — South Asian Canadian Labour History in British Columbia

New Democratic Party (NDP) founding constitution
in 1961 enshrined the inclusion of all races in the party’s
membership. Its political program called for a Canadian
Bill of Rights as part of the country’s constitution.
CCF/NDP veteran politician Harold Winch—son
of Lumber Union organizer Ernest Winch—was the
first non-Sikh presented with a kirpan in Canada. The
presentation at the Vancouver Gurdwara by priest
Balbir Singh recognized his long work on behalf of
South Asian Canadians.
“With India and Canada both members of the British
Commonwealth, it was a disgrace for Canadians to
deny their brothers and sisters in India the right to be
equal here, to deny the right to vote, to deny the right
of access to all the major professions in Canada,” Winch
told 1,000 members of the Sikh Community. 22
The International Woodworkers of America (IWA),
which became the predominant union in the forest
industry in BC, were formally affiliated to the NDP
in BC. As the Party grew, so too did its South Asian
membership, many of whom ultimately took political
office with the NDP and on the provincial stage.
22 “Sikhs Honor Winch”, The Province, July 17, 1972, 6.
The Vancouver Sun, July 17, 1972, 25.
Republished with the express permission of
Vancouver Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Chapter 4 • Searching For Working Class Unity | 47