Raj 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. 

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA – B.C. New Democrat MLA Raj Chouhan became the first Punjabi-Canadian from India to ever be elected as a Speaker of a legislature in North America.

 “I am deeply honoured to have been elected by my colleagues to serve as Speaker,” said Chouhan, the MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds who was elected as Speaker of British Columbia’s Legislature Monday.

 “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.

The election of the Speaker marks the first action 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 pandemic.

Chouhan was first elected in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2020. He served as deputy Speaker from 2017 to 2020 and as assistant deputy Speaker from 2013 to 2017.

"I am truly grateful to have been entrusted with this role by all members of the legislative assembly," Chouhan said. "As a proud member of the Indo-Canadian community, I am tremendously proud of this historic occasion and honoured to continue my public service in this new role."

Born in the Punjab province of India, Chouhan immigrated to Canada in 1973 and has been a lifelong advocate for labour rights, human rights and racial equality.

The election of a Speaker takes place on the first sitting day after a provincial general election or when the position becomes vacant. The Speaker presides over all sittings of the legislative assembly, ensures Standing Orders are applied equally and fairly, and protects the rights of all members of the legislative assembly to participate in parliamentary proceedings.

Chouhan will chair the all-party Legislative Assembly Management Committee and oversee the legislative assembly administration.