Dave S. Hayer pays tribute to father Tara Singh Hayer, calls for renewed fight for press freedom, stronger defence of victims’ rights
Babusahi Bureau
Surrey (Canada), November 18, 2025: Marking the 26th anniversary of his father’s assassination, former Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer issued an emotional and resolute message honouring the legacy of Tara Singh Hayer, the fearless Punjabi-Canadian journalist who was murdered on November 18, 1998, for speaking out against terrorism and extremism.
In a detailed statement shared in his Facebook page, Dave reflected on his father’s lifelong commitment to freedom of expression, democracy, and the rights of victims, describing November 18 as “a very sad day” for the family and for advocates of free speech around the world.
Tara Singh Hayer, editor and publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times Punjabi weekly, was widely celebrated during his lifetime, receiving hundreds of local, provincial, national and international honours.
His recognitions included the Order of British Columbia, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canada, awards from the Municipality of Surrey and the RCMP, as well as global distinctions for courageous journalism.
In 1999, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression renamed its annual Press Freedom Award after him. A year later, Hayer became the first Canadian of non-English, non-French origin to be inducted into the Canadian News Hall of Fame.
The International Press Institute (IPI) also named him one of the world’s 50 Press Freedom Heroes—an award presented by US Senator Ted Kennedy and accepted by Dave and his wife Isabelle in Boston.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dave said his father’s unwavering voice against hate, extremism and violence continues to guide him. “My father believed it was wrong to remain silent while others worked against our freedoms,” he said. “Fear drives terrorism, and we must stand united to resist it—peacefully, courageously, and with conviction.”
Dave reminded Canadians of his father’s determination to speak for the victims of terrorism, including those killed in the Air India Flight 182 bombing in 1985, which claimed 331 innocent lives, most of them Canadians. “He risked his life because he believed the truth must be told,” Dave said.
Reaffirming the family’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of victims, Dave stressed that Canadian laws must place the rights of law-abiding citizens above those who commit crimes. “Too often our courts allow criminals to walk free while victims and their families continue to suffer,” he said. “We must close the revolving door of our justice system.”
Dave urged the community to remain united in fighting hatred, extremism and violence—values central to his father’s work and legacy. “Only by speaking out and standing together can we honour my father’s memory,” he said. “Only then can we truly protect our freedoms and build a society where everyone lives without fear.”