Baltej Dhillon Becomes The Second Turbaned Sikh to Sit on Canadian Senate

Baltej Dhillon, the first turban-wearing Sikh to become a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer in 1991, is one of the three new independent members appointed to the Canadian Senate. Baltej Dhillon represents British Columbia while Martine Herbert (Quebec) and Todd Lewis (Saskatchewan)  are the other new Senators named by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Baltej, who recently contested unsuccessfully in British Columbia assembly elections, is the second turbaned Sikh after Sebi Marwah, to become a Senator in Canada.

An official communique from the office of the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said that the Governor General, Mary Simon, has appointed Baltej Dhillon, for British Columbia, Martine Hébert, for Quebec, and Todd Lewis, for Saskatchewan as independent senators to fill vacancies in the Senate.

Baltej Dhillon is a retired career police officer, a community leader, and a lifelong advocate for diversity and inclusion.

In 1991, Baltej Dhillon made history as the first Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer to wear a turban. He went on to have a successful 30-year career with the RCMP, playing a key role in several high-profile investigations. Since 2019, he has worked with British Columbia’s anti-gang agency, while remaining active in his community as a youth leader.

In 2013, Baltej Dhillon led the Sikh Leadership and Police Committee on Gang Violence to support youth prevention strategies within the Sikh Community. Since retiring from the RCMP in 2019, he has worked as Program Manager for the Crime Guns Intelligence and Investigations Group with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, the province’s anti-gang agency.

Mr. Dhillon is also deeply involved in community service. He serves on various committees and has led youth camps. He has received numerous distinctions and awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Times of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award.

Besides his extensive police education and training, Baltej Dhillon is the recipient of honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from McMaster University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Martine Hébert is a renowned economist, former Quebec diplomat, and public figure with over 25 years of experience in economic relations, governance, and public affairs. She has made significant contributions to the economic development of Quebec and Canada, notably during her time as Quebec’s Delegate to Chicago and later to New York City. She is also the former Senior Vice-President and National French Spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Todd Lewis is a fourth-generation farmer and a dedicated champion for Saskatchewan’s agricultural community. He is the former President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and currently serves as the first Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. A lifelong volunteer, he has been a strong voice for his community on numerous boards and working groups, and he continues to give back through his work as a municipal councillor.

These new senators were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. Introduced in 2016, this process ensures senators are independent and able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.

In a message, Justin Trudeau said “Congratulations to Mr. Dhillon, Ms. Hébert, and Mr. Lewis on their appointment as Parliament’s newest independent senators. Their broad range of experience will be a great benefit to the Senate, and I am confident they will continue to be strong voices for their communities.”

The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. For appointment, candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Board is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates for the Senate.

With today’s announcement, there have been 93 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All of them were recommended by the Board.

Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.

By Prabhjot Singh