Lifestyle /
A Historic Moment: 4 Indo-Canadians In Justin Trudeau’s Cabinet
South Asians have shaped the diverse Canadian society integrally and the political prominence of our community grew much stronger today as four members of Indian origin were sworn in to Justin Trudeau's new cabinet.
Navdeep Bains from Ontario is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Bains, an accountant and financial analyst, served as the MP for Mississauga-Brampton South from 2004 to 2011. A full video of his oath can be seen here.
Navdeep Bains
Photo Credit: www.bramptonguardian.com
Harjit S. Sajjan from B.C. has been named Minister of National Defence. He is a decorated Lt. Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces, deployed three times to Afghanistan and once to Bosnia. Watch him speak about his forthcoming role in the Canadian Parliament.
Harjit Sajjan (L)
Photo Credit: www.cbc.ca
Amarjeet Sohi from Alberta is the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. He is a former political prisoner, actor, playwright, human rights activist, VP of Alberta Union Municipalities Association and Edmonton city councillor. The video of his oath can be viewed here.
Amarjeet Sohi
Photo Credit: www.cbc.ca
Bardish Chagger from Ontario is part of the gender-balanced cabinet as a Minister of Small Business and Tourism. Chagger has worked as an executive assistant to former Liberal MP Andrew Telegdi and also as a special events coordinator at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre. Here is a video of Chagger being sworn in today.
Bardish Chagger
Photo Credit: www.cbc.ca
In addition to these star candidates, we are also extremely proud of those who showed promising success in the federal election this year. A total of 23 South Asians won seats, which is more than double of the number in 2011. Of these, 20 are Punjabi-speaking, making Punjabi the third most common language in the House of Commons after English and French.
Three Punjabi-Speaking MPs (L-R): Sukh Dhaliwal, Anju Dhillon and Deepak Obhrai
Photo Credit (L-R): www.wikipeedia.org, www.voiceonline.com and www.pm.gc.ca
We applaud the achievements of our Indo-Canadian community members and wish them all the best for their tenure.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.macleans.ca
Sonia Malik
Author
Sonia writes on current affairs and pop culture. An English graduate from the University of Toronto, she identifies as a global citizen, feminist and nature lover. She will be ready to shake a leg to a peppy Bollywood beat any day.
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
THE MODERN SHARBAT: Reinventing A South Asian Classic, One Drink At A Time
-
The Ultimate Desi Summer Patio: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Creating The Perfect Outdoor Space
-
MAGIC, ROMANCE & DRAGONS: 8 Summer Books By South Asian Authors We’re Excited About
-
Father’s Day Gift Guide: 6 Gifts Your Desi Dad Will Pretend He Doesn’t Want (But Will Use Every Day)
-
Tired of the 401 Grind? Discover the Northern Ontario Train Adventure Winning Over GTA Families
-
Inside Vancouver's Luxury Event Scene: How Paarull JS Bakshi Is Turning Storytelling Into Unforgettable Experiences
-
The Stories Behind the Spice: 7 South Asian Dishes Carrying Stories of Migration, Memory & Survival
-
When Amma Says “Don't Get Me Anything”, But She’ll Be Glad You Did Anyway With These Mother’s Day Gifts
-
Beyond the Taj Mahal: 8 South Asian Places That Feel Like Walking Through History
-
8 Spring Bingeworthy Reads From The South Asian Diaspora
-
Exclusive Chat: Inside ‘Fly In The Chai’ With Author Zenia Wadhwani
-
The Ultimate North American Ramadan & Eid Guide To Gifting, Décor & Family Traditions
-
Escape The Polar Vortex: South Asia’s Dreamiest Winter Escapes
-
The Ultimate Guide To Cozy Winter Reading By South Asian Authors
-
Move Over Hot Chocolate - Winter Belongs To The Saffron Latte & Masala Chai
-
Diwali Gift Guide: From ‘PajamaSutra’ To ‘Little Ladoo’ & More, A Gift For Everyone
-
The Ultimate Guide To South Asian-Inspired Fall Home Décor
-
This Fall’s Must-Reads: Diverse Stories By South Asian Authors
-
The Ayurvedic Guide To Allergy-Safe Desi School Lunches
-
Before The Frost: A Desi Gardener’s Guide To August In Canada
-
From Dragons To Desi Romance: 13 South Asian Books Heating Up Summer 2025
-
Picnic Like A Pro: Easy South Asian BBQ Recipes To Wow Everyone
-
This Might Get Heated: The Ultimate Chai Ranking No One Asked For
-
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide For Your Desi Mom
-
Ever Hosted A Desi Picnic? Here Is Your Ultimate Guide To Wowing Your Family & Friends
-
'Detective Aunty' & 9 Other Must-Read Spring 2025 Books By South Asian Authors
-
Beyond Samosas: Healthy & Satisfying Ramadan Suhoor And Iftar Recipes!
-
6 Ways South Asian Parents Can Teach Their Children About Black History Month
-
Rose Barfi, Chocolate Naan Khatai & More: South Asian Dessert Recipes For Valentine's Day
-
From Birth Charts To Lunar Calendars: Setting Intentions For 2025 With South Asian Traditions
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions