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The Commander 4 Canadian Division, Brig.-Gen. Joe Paul, is issuing new directions on the carriage of weapons at public events after soldiers took part in a Sikh parade in Toronto.

Images and video showed the Canadian Forces members on April 28 taking part in the Khalsa Day Parade in Toronto carrying C7 rifles.

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“Normally, weapons are not carried at such events,” the statement issued Tuesday by the Canadian Army noted. “The decision to have personnel in full Fighting Order was made by the local commander and was not in keeping with the Canadian Armed Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial.”

“The Commander 4 Canadian Division is following up with the unit and is issuing additional direction to the entire division prohibiting the carriage of weapons at similar events,” the statement added.

Khalsa Day celebrates the Sikh new year and the establishment of the Sikh community in 1699.

The only time weapons are carried in public is on ceremonial parades, in accordance with very specific circumstances as outlined in the Canadian Armed Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial, or during military demonstrations such as a tattoo, according to the Canadian Forces.