A Brampton hospital is under fire after an elderly Sikh man, Joginder Singh Kaler, was shaved without his consent or that of his family, violating his religious beliefs. The incident occurred at Brampton Civic Hospital in late August while Kaler, 85, was unconscious and unable to provide consent. Despite his family’s explicit refusal to allow the shaving, hospital staff proceeded, leaving the family distressed.
The World Sikh Organization (WSO) condemned the action as a violation of Kaler’s faith, as Sikhs are forbidden from cutting their hair. William Osler Health System, which manages the hospital, has launched an “extensive review” of the situation but has yet to issue a direct apology to the family.
The incident has sparked calls for greater cultural sensitivity and training in healthcare settings, particularly in a city like Brampton, home to Canada’s largest Sikh population.
