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Bhajan Brar and Tajinder Grewal script history in Saskatchewan politics
They join the select band of Canadian politicians of Punjabi descent who would sit in the Assembly sporting their turbans. Never before any Sikh wearing a turban has sat in the Saskatchewan Provincial Assembly.
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Bhajan Brar. / Courtesy Photo
Two turbaned Sikhs were among the three candidates of South Asian descent declared successful in the Saskatchewan Provincial Assembly elections. Bhajan Singh Brar and Tajinder Singh Grewal, both of the New Democratic Party (NDP), thus became the first turbaned Sikhs to sit in the Saskatchewan Assembly.
After the preliminary round of vote counting, Bhajan Brar (Regina Pasqua) and Tajinder Grewal (Saskatoon University-Sutherland) were declared successful. Noor Burki, also of NDP (Regina Coronation Park), was the third candidate of South Asian descent to be declared successful.
In all 14 candidates of South Asian descent were in the field.
The ruling Saskatchewan Party, led by incumbent Premier Scot Moe, won a majority, bagging 34 seats in a House of 61. In the outgoing Assembly, the Saskatchewan Party had 48 seats, while the NDP occupied the remaining 13. This time, the NDP, led by Carla Beck, put up a splendid fight, taking its tally to 27.
The NDP virtually made a clean sweep as it won all 12 seats in the Regina region and 13 of the 14 seats in the second major urban area of Saskatoon.
In 2020, Gary Grewal became the first Canadian of Indian origin to sit in the Saskatchewan Provincial Assembly. He decided not to seek re-election this time.
Both Bhajan Brar and Tajinder Grewal, not only won with impressive margins over their rivals from the ruling Saskatchewan Party but also scripted history. They join the select band of Canadian politicians of Punjabi descent who would sit in the Assembly sporting their turbans. Never before any Sikh wearing a turban has sat in the Saskatchewan Provincial Assembly.
Bhajan Brar is a community leader, a father and a grandfather. He contested the Saskatchewan Provincial Assembly elections for the second successive team. In 2020 he lost narrowly. Bhajan Brar has been a dedicated volunteer, having worked with numerous organizations throughout Regina. Bhajan has been trained as an engineer and has spent time working as both a journeyperson electrician and a power engineer. He says he is devoted to ensuring a brighter future for all people in Saskatchewan.
Bhajan Brar with Carla Beck
Tajinder is a renowned scientist and a devoted community leader. He represented the Saskatchewan NDP as its candidate in Saskatoon University-Sutherland. Tajinder Grewal has had a profound impact on the scientific and cultural landscapes of Saskatchewan, holding significant roles at SGS Canada Inc., the University of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Research Council and the Punjabi Cultural Association of Saskatchewan. A dedicated volunteer and board member, he has served on many foundations and community organizations. Tajinder says he has dedicated his life to public service.
Tajinder Grewal with his party chief Carla Beck
The third successful candidate of the South Asian community is Noor Burki who also won the NDP ticket and he defeated Riaz Ahmed of the ruling Saskatchewan Party.
Other candidates of South Asian descent who contested on various party tickets were unsuccessful. They include Parminder Singh, Rahul Singh, Khushdil (Lucky) Mehrok, Jaspreet Mander, Mohammad Abushar, Mumtaz Naseeb, Liaqat Ali, Mohammad Riaz, Caesar Khan, and Riaz Ahmad.
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