South Asian Canadian men politicians

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Group portrait of Raminder Dosanjh presentng a certificate to the Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) on behalf of her husband, former Premier Ujjal Dosanjh, at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

​Raminder Dosanjh is a Canadian educator and community activist, recognized for her contributions to women's rights and social services. After immigrating to Canada in 1970, she co-founded the India Mahila Association, focusing on supporting South Asian women facing domestic challenges and advocating for their empowerment. Dosanjh has also been involved with organizations such as MOSAIC Immigrant Services Centre and the Vancouver Multicultural Society, contributing to immigrant integration and multicultural initiatives. In recognition of her decades-long service, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Shakti Awards.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of former MLA Jinny Sims and Dave Hayer at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

Born in the Jullundur District of India in 1952, Jinny Jogindera Sims is an Indo-Canadian teacher and politician. She moved to Canada in 1975 with her husband, after obtaining a degree in education from the University of Manchester. Starting out as an English teacher in Quebec, she went on to teach high school students in Nanaimo and became president of the Nanimo District Teachers Union. In 2011, she was elected as the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Newton-North Delta. In 2017, she served as the NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Surrey-Panorama.

Dave Hayer is a former MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, first elected in 2001. He has held several key roles in the BC Legislature, including Chair of Surrey Caucus and member of multiple government committees. Before entering politics, he was a businessperson, Assistant Publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times, and worked in various industries, including real estate and newspapers. Hayer has been actively involved in community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Surrey and Surrey Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is known for his work on community development and public service.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of former MLA Jinny Sims, Dave Hayer, and others at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

Born in the Jullundur District of India in 1952, Jinny Jogindera Sims is an Indo-Canadian teacher and politician. She moved to Canada in 1975 with her husband, after obtaining a degree in education from the University of Manchester. Starting out as an English teacher in Quebec, she went on to teach high school students in Nanaimo and became president of the Nanimo District Teachers Union. In 2011, she was elected as the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Newton-North Delta. In 2017, she served as the NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Surrey-Panorama.

Dave Hayer is a former MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, first elected in 2001. He has held several key roles in the BC Legislature, including Chair of Surrey Caucus and member of multiple government committees. Before entering politics, he was a businessperson, Assistant Publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times, and worked in various industries, including real estate and newspapers. Hayer has been actively involved in community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Surrey and Surrey Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is known for his work on community development and public service.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Dr. Gulzar Singh Cheema at a Holi celebration hosted at the Shree Mahalakshmi Temple in Vancouver, B.C.

Dr. Gulzar Singh Cheema is a family physician in Surrey, British Columbia, and a former member of the Legislative Assembly in Manitoba, 1988-1993. Cheema immigrated to Canada in December, 1979, and was the first Indian-born Canadian doctor to be elected to a legislative assembly in Canada in 1988. Cheema was elected in B.C. in May 2001 to represent the riding of Surrey-Panorama Ridge. On June 05, 2001 Cheema was appointed as a member of the Executive Council for the Government of B.C. as Minister of State for Mental Health. On January 26, 2004, he was appointed as a member of the Executive Council for the Government of B.C. as Minister of State for Immigration and Multicultural Services. He also served as a critic for health. He received his Bachelor of Medicine and surgery from India's Punjab University, interned at the University of Newfoundland and was a resident at Saskatoon's University Hospital. In 1992 he was awarded the Canada 125 Medal for community service. In 2014, Cheema was recognized by the Doctors of British Columbia Medical Association, for an Individual Award of Excellence in Health Promotion for his outstanding and continuing work educating the Indo-Canadian population about disease prevention and promotion.

Holi, often called the "festival of colors," is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring's arrival and the triumph of good over evil. This festival, mainly observed in South Asia but also recognized globally, typically spans two days and is rooted in ancient traditions, mythology and community gatherings. Its date changes, as it is based on the full moon in the month of Phalguna, part of the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in late February or March. Holi, dating back to the 4th century, stands alongside Diwali, the festival of lights, as one of the most prominent Hindu celebrations and is famous for the playful tossing of colored powders and water.

Established in 1990, by Pandit Pramera Chaitanya, Shree Mahalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. They offer various services, including workship, chanting, meditations, and ritualistic celebrations of all the Hindu festivals.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of former Premier Ujjal Dosanjh sitting in the audience at a Holi celebration hosted at the Shree Mahalakshmi Temple in Vancouver, B.C.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

Holi, often called the "festival of colors," is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring's arrival and the triumph of good over evil. This festival, mainly observed in South Asia but also recognized globally, typically spans two days and is rooted in ancient traditions, mythology and community gatherings. Its date changes, as it is based on the full moon in the month of Phalguna, part of the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in late February or March. Holi, dating back to the 4th century, stands alongside Diwali, the festival of lights, as one of the most prominent Hindu celebrations and is famous for the playful tossing of colored powders and water.

Established in 1990, by Pandit Pramera Chaitanya, Shree Mahalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. They offer various services, including workship, chanting, meditations, and ritualistic celebrations of all the Hindu festivals.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of former Premier Ujjal Dosanjh and others standing at a Holi celebration hosted at the Shree Mahalakshmi Temple in Vancouver, B.C.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

Holi, often called the "festival of colors," is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring's arrival and the triumph of good over evil. This festival, mainly observed in South Asia but also recognized globally, typically spans two days and is rooted in ancient traditions, mythology and community gatherings. Its date changes, as it is based on the full moon in the month of Phalguna, part of the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in late February or March. Holi, dating back to the 4th century, stands alongside Diwali, the festival of lights, as one of the most prominent Hindu celebrations and is famous for the playful tossing of colored powders and water.

Established in 1990, by Pandit Pramera Chaitanya, Shree Mahalakshmi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. They offer various services, including workship, chanting, meditations, and ritualistic celebrations of all the Hindu festivals.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Group portrait of two musicians receiving a plaque from former MLA Dave Heyer and others at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.

Dave Hayer is a former MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, first elected in 2001. He has held several key roles in the BC Legislature, including Chair of Surrey Caucus and member of multiple government committees. Before entering politics, he was a businessperson, Assistant Publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times, and worked in various industries, including real estate and newspapers. Hayer has been actively involved in community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Surrey and Surrey Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is known for his work on community development and public service.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Ujjal Dosanjh speaking at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Ujjal Dosanjh speaking at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Ujjal Dosanjh speaking at Mela Ghadri Babeya Da held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C.

Mela Ghadri Babeya Da, sponsored by Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada), is a festival dedicated to the memory of South Asians on the Komagata Maru ship who were turned away from Vancouver, as well as the Ghadar movement and Indian freedom fighters. The festival also commemorates and celebrates the Gadri Babai, immigrants from Panjab who fought for the end of colonialism in South Asia.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada is a secular human rights organization based in Greater Vancouver, B.C.. The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has advocated to recognize and help address the historic wrongs committed against South Asian migrants who were denied access to Canada over the past century (with particular focus on the Komagata Maru tragedy). In the years since, the Foundation has fought for justice and human rights for all Canadians, and marginalized communities everywhere. The foundation holds 'Mela Gadri Babiyan Da' at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, B.C., the first weekend of August each year. This is the largest event of its kind outside of India.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.