India’s diplomatic missions in Canada finished their yearly life certificate camps in November 2025. These camps help Indian pensioners living in Canada confirm their status so they can continue receiving pensions.
The final weekend included camps at the Khalsa Diwan Society’s Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, and the Guru Gobind Singh Temple Association in Prince George. A camp was also held at a sportsplex in Brampton. The group Sikhs for Justice claimed officials were “trapped” inside the Vancouver gurdwara.
But a spokesperson for the gurdwara said this was not true, adding that “no officials were trapped” and nearly 100 certificates were issued. They also noted “lots of people” appreciated the camp being hosted there. As last year, a court order stopped protests within 100 metres of the gurdwara.
Events were held at temples, gurdwaras and community centres in major cities, making it easier for seniors to access the service close to home.
Some of the locations saw protests by pro-Khalistan groups. However, unlike last year’s violent incident at a Brampton temple, there was no disruption to the services this year. The camps continued as planned with safety measures in place
Camps in major societies
The final weekend included camps at the Khalsa Diwan Society’s Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, and the Guru Gobind Singh Temple Association in Prince George. A camp was also held at a sportsplex in Brampton. The group Sikhs for Justice claimed officials were “trapped” inside the Vancouver gurdwara.
But a spokesperson for the gurdwara said this was not true, adding that “no officials were trapped” and nearly 100 certificates were issued. They also noted “lots of people” appreciated the camp being hosted there. As last year, a court order stopped protests within 100 metres of the gurdwara.
Police presence after last year’s violence
Due to the attack at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton in November 2024, police were present at several venues this year. That incident had led to arrests, including of Inderjeet Gosal, who was charged with assault. The Hindu Sabha Mandir did not host a camp this year.
The missions organised camps at 25 venues in November, covering cities in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Some pensioners who were unable to travel were assisted through video calls.
The missions said the camps are organised every year to support senior citizens in the community and ensure they do not face any problems in receiving their pensions.