In November 2023, Diljeet Pal Singh Brar made history as the first turbaned MLA to sit in the Speaker’s chair in Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly.
For MLA Brar, this was more than a personal milestone; it was a powerful symbol of representation and progress. “This is truly a moment of immense pride and honor—not just for me, not just for the Punjabi community, but for all minority groups in our society,” he shares.
This moment was celebrated widely as a historic moment by community members across the province and beyond. In March 2024, he was further appointed as Assistant Deputy Speaker, a role that solidified his commitment to serving Manitoba with dignity and inclusion.
For MLA Brar, these titles are not about individual recognition. He sees them as a reflection of the journey, sacrifices, and resilience of the generations that came before him. “It is important to acknowledge that this moment reflects the struggle, challenges, systemic barriers, and racism that our elders endured during their settlement in this country,” he says. “Despite those hardships, they persevered and laid the foundation for us.”
His presence in the Speaker’s chair is more than a political achievement; it is about visibility and possibility. “It is incredibly meaningful for the next generation—whether visiting the Legislature or following our journey through social media—to see someone who looks like them represented in this space,” he adds. For MLA Brar, true inclusion means that one day, a turban-wearing MLA will not be seen as exceptional but rather as expected and ordinary in the eyes of all Canadians.
MLA Brar’s path to the Manitoba Legislature was not a straight line. He arrived in British Columbia, Canada, on December 31, 2010, as a skilled immigrant, driven by hope and determination. His early days were marked by hard work and resilience as he took on jobs at Kin’s Farm Market and Canada Bread in Langley. He later became a radio host at Sher-E-Punjab Radio and worked in scientific roles as a lab technician and project manager at Maxxam Analytics in Burnaby.
The dedicated professional’s journey eventually led him to Manitoba, where he continued to build his career and deepen his community involvement. MLA Brar worked as a research assistant at the University of Manitoba, in agricultural research with AgQuest, and as an Extension Coordinator with the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, where he served the farming community for nearly four years.
Beyond his professional contributions, MLA Brar has always been passionate about community building and cultural preservation. He founded Bulla Arts International Inc., a cultural and personality development school dedicated to Punjabi folk dance, language, theatre, journalism, and youth leadership. He also helped establish the Baba Nanak Scholarship for Human Rights Education at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, which continues to empower future leaders. His fundraising efforts also supported the creation of the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre at Garden City Collegiate in Winnipeg.
With the support of his family and community, MLA Brar then made the decision to enter politics. In 2019, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Burrows. During his first term, he served as the Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture and as Critic for Sport, Culture, and Heritage. In the historic October 2023 election, he was re-elected as his party formed the government. His current roles include serving as Assistant Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, and as a participant on several cabinet committees. “It is an absolute privilege to represent such a diverse and vibrant constituency in Manitoba, and to be a voice for the people in our province’s sacred Legislative Chamber,” he notes.
One of MLA Brar’s most meaningful contributions is the Turban Day Act, which was passed unanimously in the Manitoba Legislature. This legislation, which he proudly introduced, designates Turban Day to be celebrated annually across the province. Manitoba remains the only province in Canada to have officially legislated such a day.
“Turbaned Canadians continue to face barriers and racism rooted in prejudice and misunderstanding,” MLA Brar highlights. “As the first turbaned MLA in Manitoba’s history, I felt a deep responsibility to uplift people of color and minority communities.” His experiences as a new Canadian and as someone who visibly stands out inspired him to pursue public education and advocate for cultural understanding. “Manitoba proudly calls itself ‘Friendly Manitoba,’ and the passage of this act reflects our province’s values of inclusion, acceptance, and social justice.”
Fittingly, MLA Brar’s upbringing in Punjab continues to shape his work and outlook. Coming from a farming family, he developed a passion for agriculture and pursued advanced studies in Agricultural Sciences, specializing in Extension Education. Before immigrating to Canada, he served as an Assistant Professor of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University, where he taught Agricultural Communication and Extension and worked to support rural development. His background in community engagement, cultural communication, and scientific research has helped him build meaningful connections with his constituents.
To young Canadians, especially those from diverse backgrounds who aspire for leadership roles, MLA Brar offers heartfelt advice. He encourages young people to get involved in public service, start early, and never hesitate to put their names forward, emphasizing, “Be proud of who you are. Never view your identity as a barrier—it is your strength. Canada needs more leaders from diverse backgrounds. Your voice matters, and your presence can help shape a more inclusive and representative future for all. If I had chosen not to wear my turban to the legislature, you probably wouldn’t be reading about me in this article today.”
