Learning Sikhism

National Post

On this day

MARCH 15, 1990

In a change to the RCMP dress code, the federal government decided that Sikh officers could wear turbans while on duty. The decision followed a challenge by Baltej Singh Dillon, a prospective RCMP officer who had applied to enter the force's training program but refused to change his appearance, which also included the traditional beard. Fourteen months later, with some of his training captured by television cameras, Constable Dillon graduated from the RCMP training academy in Regina.

The Chronicle-Herald

The federal government decided 16 years ago today, in 1990, that Sikh members of the RCMP could wear turbans and other religious garb while on duty. Many, including western MPs, were opposed, but Solicitor General Pierre Cadieux said it was the right decision in terms of human rights, in terms of multiculturalism policy, and because it's just smart to have visible minorities represented on the force.