Chandigarh, 21 October, 2024: Thirteen candidates of Punjabi descent have triumphed in the recent British Columbia provincial elections, bolstering the community’s growing political influence in Canada and increasing presence of Indo-Canadians, especially Punjabis, in British Columbia’s political landscape.
Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, one of the standout victors, secured his Delta North seat for a sixth time, solidifying his role in the province. “It’s been an honor to serve my community, and I look forward to continuing our work on housing and climate policies,” Kahlon said. Raj Chauhan, the outgoing assembly speaker, also made history, winning his seat for a record sixth time. Chauhan, who had previously held key roles like assistant deputy speaker (2013-2017) and deputy speaker (2017-2020), has been a mainstay in the political arena.
Jagrup Brar, born in Bathinda, Punjab, secured his seventh win in Surrey Fleetwood. Once a member of India’s national basketball team, Brar’s political journey began in 2004 when he was first elected as an MLA. “Surrey has been my home for decades, and I am grateful for the continued support from this community,” Brar remarked. Mandeep Dhaliwal, running for the Conservative Party, unseated Education Minister Rachna Singh in Surrey North, a significant upset in the region. However, prominent Punjabi leader Jinny Sims faced defeat in Surrey Panorama.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) secured 46 seats in the 93-member legislature, while the Conservative Party gained 45 seats. The Green Party claimed two. Candidates from Punjabi backgrounds represented both the NDP and Conservatives, advocating for policies on healthcare, economic growth, climate action, and immigrant support.
Notable NDP winners include Ravi Parmar from Langford Highland, Sunita Dhir from Vancouver Langara, Reah Arora from Burnaby East, and Harwinder Kaur Sandhu from Vernon Monashee—Sandhu’s second term in the seat. Attorney General Nikki Sharma was re-elected in Vancouver Hastings, while Jessie Sunner claimed Surrey Newton. On the Conservative side, Harman Singh Bhangu emerged victorious in Langley Abbotsford, Honveer Singh Randhawa in Surrey Guildford, and Tody Toor in Langley Willowbrook.
The Punjabi community’s political success reflects its long-standing role in British Columbia’s socio-economic framework, particularly in regions like Surrey and Abbotsford, which are home to large Indo-Canadian populations. Increased political engagement and mobilization in these areas have been key drivers of this success. “Representation matters,” said one local community leader. “These wins signify the growing voice of Punjabis in shaping the future of British Columbia.”
