Turbaned Sikh among 8 Indo-Canadian winners in British Columbia assembly polls

Eight Indo-Canadians, together with a turbaned Sikh, have gained elections in Canada’s British Columbia province because the ruling New Democratic Party (NDP) returned to energy with a majority in the snap polls.

The NDP led by Jagmeet Singh, the primary Indo-Canadian to guide a serious federal occasion in Canada, elevated its 41-seat minority right into a 55-seat majority in the 87-member assembly, in line with preliminary outcomes on Saturday night time, which didn’t embody greater than 500,000 mail-in ballots.

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It is the biggest NDP victory in British Columbia historical past, the Vancouver Sun newspaper reported.

“While we wait for that final count to happen, I want to assure people that I’m going to keep the focus right where it belongs, on helping people get through this pandemic and making sure that they have the services that they need,” Premier John Horgan, who had referred to as a snap election through the COVID-19 pandemic, mentioned whereas addressing a victory rally in Vancouver.

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Aman Singh, a turbaned Sikh, defeated Jas Johal of the opposition Liberal Party in Richmond-Queensborough.

“Thank you to the amazing residents of Richmond-Queensborough who I was able to connect with during this campaign. It has been a true honour to stand before you & hear about the issues impacting you & your families. I’m grateful to the team of volunteers who helped our team effort,” Mr. Singh tweeted.

Other outstanding Indo-Canadian winners are Deputy Speaker Raj Chouhan, Labour Minister Harry Bains, Jagrup Brar and Ravi Kahlon. All are from the ruling occasion.

Three Indo-Canadian ladies — former minister Jinny Sims, Niki Sharma and Rachna Singh — all from the ruling NDP, emerged winners in the polls.

“I thank you to all the volunteers & everyone who have worked so hard to make my campaign possible. Thank you for your support, phone calls, donations & all the kind messages. I have met so many local residents — listening to many stories & learning about what matters to you,” tweeted Mr. Chouhan, who secured victory in the Burnaby-Edmonds constituency.

Mr. Bains, who gained from Surrey Newton, additionally thanked folks for his victory in the elections.

“So incredibly grateful, humbled, and honoured – thank you to the amazing constituents of Surrey-Newton for trusting me to be your MLA and to all of my friends & family for their unwavering support – we’ll keep BC moving forward for everyone!” he tweeted.

Sims, who served as minister of residents companies in Horgan’s authorities however resigned in October 2019, defeated her fellow Punjabi Dr Gulzar Cheema. Sims, who emigrated to England from Punjab on the age of 9, and her husband moved to Canada in 1975.

“Congratulations and thanks to all who ran for workplace and to all who voted. Special shout out to all our volunteers. My heartfelt due to my constituents in SurreyPanorama, she tweeted.

NDP leaders Mr. Kahlon and Mr. Brar gained from Delta North and Surrey-Fleetwood constituency, respectively.