Toronto: Sikhs would not be exempted from wearing helmets while riding motorcycles in Canada's east-central Ontario province, Premier Kathleen Wynne has said citing safety reasons. "After careful deliberation, we have determined we will not grant this type of exemption as it will pose a road safety risk," Wynne was quoted as saying in a letter.

"Ultimately, the safety of Ontarians is my utmost priority, and I cannot justify setting that concern aside on this issue," Wynne said. The Canadian Sikh Association said it received a letter last week from Wynne stating the Liberal government, for safety reasons, will not allow Sikh motorcycle riders to wear only turbans.