Gulzar Singh Cheema’s story is one of courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to community service. Born on August 11, 1954, in the village of Benagarh in Jammu and Kashmir, India, Cheema’s life journey took him from a small village in India to becoming a groundbreaking figure in Canadian politics.
As the first Indian-born person to be elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Canada, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the desire to make a difference.
Gulzar Singh Cheema: A Solid Foundation in Medicine
Before his foray into politics, Gulzar Singh Cheema built a strong foundation in the medical field. After earning his bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from Punjab University in 1977, he embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to Canada.
Moving to a new country with his wife, Harinder Claire, in 1979, Gulzar Singh Cheema’s determination to succeed was evident as he completed his internship at Memorial University of Newfoundland and his residency at Saskatoon’s University Hospital.
By 1984, Gulzar Singh Cheema had established himself as a family physician in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he quickly gained a reputation for his dedication to his patients and his community. His commitment to public service was recognized in 1992 when he was awarded the Canada 125 Medal for community service.
Cheema’s weekly participation in local multicultural radio talk shows and on M Channel, a local multicultural television channel, further exemplified his passion for promoting health and well-being within the community.
Pioneering Political Achievements in Manitoba
Gulzar Singh Cheema’s entry into politics was marked by a groundbreaking achievement. In the Manitoba general election of 1988, Cheema was elected as a Liberal MLA in the Kildonan riding, making history as the first Indian-born person to be elected to a provincial legislature in Canada. His victory was a significant moment not only for him but for the entire Indian diaspora in Canada, symbolizing the possibilities that lay ahead for immigrants in Canadian politics.
During his time in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Gulzar Singh Cheema served as the critic for several key areas, including health, labour, housing, native affairs, sport and co-operatives, and consumer and corporate affairs. His commitment to these issues reflected his deep understanding of the needs of his constituents and his dedication to addressing the challenges they faced.
Cheema’s political career in Manitoba was marked by perseverance and a desire to bring positive change. In the 1990 provincial election, he ran in the newly formed riding of The Maples and successfully increased his margin of victory. Despite the Liberal Party’s decline to third-party status, Cheema remained a prominent figure in the assembly until his resignation in 1993.
Continued Dedication to Public Service in British Columbia
After moving to British Columbia, Cheema continued his dual career as a physician and politician. In 1996, he ran as a BC Liberal in the provincial election but narrowly lost. However, this setback did not deter him. The provincial Liberals saw a landslide victory in the 2001 election, and Cheema won the Surrey-Panorama Ridge riding by a significant margin.
His contributions to British Columbia were further solidified when he was appointed Minister of State for Mental Health Services in 2001 and later Minister of State for Immigration and Multicultural Services in 2004. These roles allowed him to make substantial contributions to two critical areas, reflecting his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.
A Return to Federal Politics and Beyond
In 2004, Gulzar Singh Cheema transitioned from provincial to federal politics, seeking the Liberal nomination in the newly created riding of Fleetwood—Port Kells. Although he was defeated in a closely contested election, his campaign was a reflection of his enduring commitment to public service and his desire to represent the voices of his community at the national level.
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