October 28, 2021
1 min read

Canadian street named after Indian-born doctor

Cheema, who now practises family medicine in British Columbia, was re-elected in 1990 for the Liberal party in The Maples….reports Asian Lite News

A new street in Winnipeg, Canada, has been named after Gulzar Singh Cheema, the first Indian-born Canadian doctor to be elected to a legislative assembly in the country in 1988. It is now called Cheema Drive.

Cheema, who now practises family medicine in British Columbia, was re-elected in 1990 for the Liberal party in The Maples.

“We were knocking doors and they shut the door, sometimes and not all the time. So our campaigns made them nervous,” Gulzar said while recalling his earlier election campaigns.

Describing the city as remarkable, he said, while unveiling the new street name in northwest Winnipeg last week: “I am here in the city where it all started. We shall never forget this place.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lauded the contribution of Cheema by saying that he was among few personalities who have the honor to become a member of two provincial assemblies and he was first elected MLA of the Indo-Canadian community.

“Dr Gulzar Cheema you have shown, and continue to show, the true meaning of leadership and dedication to one’s community and country, and embody the true spirit of the city of Winnipeg,” said the Prime Minister.

Cheema hoped his legacy helps inspire people to get involved in their communities like he did years ago.

“It’s so important to get involved. Be heard, be honest, be determined,” he said.

Cheema was elected in British Columbia in May 2001 to represent the riding of Surrey-Panorama Ridge.

On June 5, he was appointed as a member of the Executive Council for the government of British Columbia as Minister of State for Mental Health.

He received his bachelor of medicine and surgery from Panjab University, interned at the University of Newfoundland and was a resident at Saskatoon’s University Hospital.

ALSO READ: Indian-origin Anita Anand is Canada’s new defence minister

Previous Story

US to develop Indo-Pacific economic framework

Next Story

B’desh, World Bank team up for Covid-hit people

Latest from -Top News

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay

India clears stealth fighter project

New execution model paves way for private sector involvement in India’s ambitious stealth aircraft programme; Army showcases next-gen drone warfare systems. In a landmark decision bolstering India’s defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath

ASEAN lauds India’s firm stance on terrorism

The ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s resolve to deepen collaboration with India—a comprehensive strategic partner—in security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Modi Meets Netherlands PM at G20

PM Modi on Saturday said that the G20 member states

Breaking stereotypes, these Raj girls opt for unconventional careers

The accident left Avani demotivated but the biography of Olympic