NDP leader becomes first Punjabi Speaker of British Columbia Assembly
Surinder Singh
Victoria (BC), December 8, 2020 : New Democrat MLA Raj Chouhan has become first Punjabi from India to ever be elected as a Speaker of a legislature in North America.
He belongs to Gahore village in Ludhiana District of Punjab.
After being elected Speaker he said, “I am deeply honoured to have been elected by my colleagues to serve as Speaker,” He has been elected MLA from Burnaby-Edmonds
“I have spent my career advocating for the rights of every person and working to end discrimination and inequality, and I look forward to continue serving the people of B.C. by ensuring our Assembly operates in a fair and just manner.”
Chouhan, who has represented the riding of Burnaby-Edmonds since 2005, served as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. Prior to his election as MLA, Raj founded the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union, and served as the director of bargaining for the Hospital Employees Union for 18 years.
As Speaker, Chouhan will preside over debates and ensure that the Assembly's established rules of behaviour and procedure are followed. New Democrat MLA for Vancouver-West End Spencer Chandra Herbert was also elected as Deputy Speaker today. He will fulfill the duties of the Speaker when Chouhan is absent.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker mark the first actions of B.C.’s 42nd Parliament, which will resume sitting this afternoon for the Speech from the Throne. During this session, the New Democrat caucus will be focused on helping people stay safe and ensuring British Columbians are supported during the COVID-19. Ensuring British Columbians are supported during the COVID-19 pandemic.