Respecting religious practices is a core value in a fair and open society. A recent case in Brampton, Ontario, raised real concern. News reports said a Sikh senior was shaved against his will while in a Brampton hospital. That broke one of the basic tenets of Sikhism, which is to keep uncut hair (kesh).
This post was first published in January 2025. It discusses the news as reports described it at that time.
Why Religious Practices Matter
This sad event hurt the man involved. It also showed an urgent need for more care and respect for faith in public services and government bodies.
Religious practices are key parts of faith and identity for millions of people. For Sikhs, keeping uncut hair is a sacred duty. Likewise, wearing a kippah is important for observant Jews. A cross is a sign of faith for Christians. And for many practising Muslims, a beard or a hijab is a sign of devotion. When we ignore these signs of faith, it is more than a slip. It is a failure to honour the values of a diverse society.
A Pattern, Not a One-Off
Sadly, the Brampton case does not stand alone. There have been other moments where public bodies missed the mark on culture. For example, the Ontario government put a Muslim shopkeeper and a customer in a hijab in a promo video. The video announced the plan to let grocery stores sell alcohol. Yet Islam strictly forbids alcohol.
Cases like these point to a wider issue. Public spaces do not always understand or respect religious practices and cultural values. So the fix has to go beyond a single apology.
Respecting Religious Practices Through Inclusion
Religious practices are not mere symbols. They show deeply held beliefs and values. Respecting them is not just a courtesy. Instead, it is a basic part of building a fair and open society.
Canada takes pride in its diversity. However, without the right tools and training, even kind people can cause harm by mistake. This is where Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training matters. When we teach public servants and health care workers about faith, we can help stop cases like this one. A Sikh’s uncut hair, a Jewish man’s kippah, a Muslim woman’s hijab and a Christian’s cross are central to who they are. Knowing that helps everyone feel respected and included.
The Case for Mandatory EDI Training
In my view, EDI training should be mandatory at every level of government. That means federal, provincial and city staff. The training should cover the basics of different religious practices. It should also show how respect for culture shapes each public contact.
Think of a nurse caring for a Sikh patient. Or think of a police officer speaking with a Muslim or Jewish person. In both cases, respect for religious customs is key to a space where all feel safe. Without mandatory EDI training, cases like the one in Brampton will keep happening. Trust in public bodies will wear away. On the other hand, if EDI training becomes a core part of public work, Canada can better live up to its values of respect for all.
Learning From the Religious Practices of Other Faiths
Beyond Sikhism, many faiths have religious practices that deserve respect. For Jewish men, the kippah is a sign of reverence before God. They wear it as a daily reminder of their faith. For Christians, the cross stands for devotion and sacrifice, and many wear it as an outward sign of belief. In Islam, the beard for men and the hijab for women show religious commitment.
These practices carry deep meaning. In any society with many faiths, we should honour them, not merely “tolerate” them. In fact, I do not like the word “tolerate,” and I will write about it separately. If we expect people to trust public bodies, those bodies must respect every citizen’s faith and culture. That includes health care staff, police officers and government officials. They need to know that some symbols and practices are not up for debate.
Moving Forward Together
Canada’s mix of cultures and faiths is among its greatest strengths. Still, that promise must show up in daily practice, especially inside government. The Brampton case is a wake-up call. The country needs stronger steps to show respect for culture and faith.
Mandatory EDI training would help prevent future cases. It would also send a clear message that Canada values the faith and culture of all its citizens. Let’s make this training standard at every level of government. Let’s keep working toward a society that truly embraces inclusion and fairness. Religious freedom and respect are not just ideals. They keep the trust and unity that make Canada such a vibrant nation. We must do better, so that cases like this never happen again.
This matters close to home, too. Mississauga, Brampton and the rest of Peel are home to families of every faith. When families choose a neighbourhood, many look for a place of worship, a community centre or a school nearby where their religious practices feel welcome. You can read more about why Mississauga ranks high for happiness, my view that government policies should be citizen-centred, and the 2025 budget and Mississauga families. For official information on rights and public services, visit the Government of Canada website.
Talk to a Mississauga Real Estate Agent
Do you have questions about community life or finding a home near your place of worship, or about buying or selling a home in Mississauga? I am always glad to help. You can send me a message here or call me at 416 908 5600. If this post helped you, a Google review is always welcome. A. Q. Mufti, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage
