Wallace Taroo “Wally” Oppal’s life story is a compelling narrative of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of justice. Born in Vancouver in 1940 to Sikh immigrant parents from India, Oppal’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Canada’s most respected legal minds and political figures is nothing short of inspirational. His legacy, marked by a commitment to multiculturalism, legal reform, and public service, serves as a beacon for those who aspire to make a difference in society.
Early Life: A Foundation of Strength and Determination
Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal’s early years were shaped by the challenges and values instilled in him by his immigrant parents. His father, a co-founder of a sawmill in Lake Cowichan, tragically passed away when Wally was just 10 years old. This loss thrust his mother, Gurdial Kaur Oppal, into the role of the family’s sole provider, working as a housekeeper to support her two sons. The strength and resilience displayed by his mother became a cornerstone of Wally’s character, inspiring him to pursue his dreams despite the obstacles.
Attending Lake Cowichan High School, Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal quickly demonstrated leadership qualities, serving as the student council president in his senior year. His passion for learning and his drive to succeed were evident, setting the stage for his future accomplishments. Graduating in 1958, Oppal’s journey into higher education began at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Carving a Path in Law: From Courtroom to Bench
After earning his B.A. in 1963, Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal took a significant step towards his destiny by enrolling in the UBC Faculty of Law. Graduating in 1966, he was called to the bar a year later, marking the beginning of a distinguished legal career. Starting at Thompson McConnell, Oppal soon ventured into private practice in South Vancouver, where he and his friend John Campbell provided legal services to their community.
Oppal’s legal acumen did not go unnoticed. In 1981, upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Allan McEachern, Oppal was appointed to the County Court of Vancouver. His judicial career flourished, leading to his appointment to the BC Supreme Court in 1985. His reputation for fairness and a deep understanding of the law earned him widespread respect, and in 2003, he ascended to the British Columbia Court of Appeal.
Advocate for Change: The Policing Reforms and Public Service
Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal’s dedication to justice extended beyond the courtroom. In 1992, he was appointed to lead a commission of inquiry into policing in British Columbia. The resulting 1994 report was pivotal in implementing policing reforms across the province, underscoring Oppal’s commitment to improving public safety and ensuring justice for all.
While his contributions to the judiciary were significant, Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal’s sense of duty called him to broader public service. In 2005, he transitioned from the bench to the political arena, running as a candidate for the BC Liberals in the Vancouver-Fraserview riding.
His election to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. As Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal became British Columbia’s second Indo-Canadian Attorney General, following in the footsteps of Ujjal Dosanjh.
During his tenure, Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal championed policies that promoted multiculturalism and inclusivity, reflecting his deep belief in the strength of diversity. His legal expertise and commitment to justice were instrumental in shaping the province’s legal landscape during his time in office.
A Commitment to Justice Beyond Politics
After his political career, Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal continued to contribute to Canadian society in various capacities. In 2010, he was appointed to lead the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, a role that placed him at the forefront of addressing one of the most harrowing criminal cases in Canadian history—the Robert Pickton murders.
The commission’s final report, released in 2012, included 63 recommendations aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future and underscored Oppal’s unwavering commitment to justice for the most vulnerable.
Oppal’s influence extended into academia when he was appointed Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, serving from 2011 to 2018. His leadership and vision were recognized when he was named Chancellor Emeritus, a testament to his lasting impact on the institution.
In 2019, Oppal was entrusted with overseeing the creation of a new municipal police force in Surrey, British Columbia, a role that demonstrated his continued dedication to public service and his belief in the importance of effective and accountable law enforcement.
Legacy and Honors
Wallace Taroo Wally Oppal’s contributions to law, politics, and public service have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, he was appointed to the Order of British Columbia, a fitting recognition of his lifelong dedication to the province and its people.
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