Asian Tribune September 23, 2022

English Page
Issue 316 (6) Asian Tribune September 23, 2022
Asian
Star
Hon George Chahal, M P
Asian Tribune applauded
Native Village/Country parent’s
background
I was born and raised in Calgaryand grew up
in the community of Saddle Ridge.
My parents were both born in Punjab, India.
My father was born in villageRatainda, District
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and my mother
was born in a village called Thanowali, District
Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
Your Early Education
I attended Stanley Jones Elementary, followed
by Colonel Macleod Junior High in Renfrew. I
continued my education at Crescent Heights
High School, completing an Advanced High
School Diploma. After high school, I attended
university and graduated from University of
Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Economics.
When & Why You came to Canada
My parents immigrated from the United
Kingdom in the early 1960s, and I was born in
Calgary. They felt Canada could providebetter
opportunities for their children, and they
wanted to be closer to their family.
Your career advancement initiatives,
volunteer work and present occupation
Throughout my youth, I volunteered with
senior centres, nursing homes, and hospitals.
Over the past several years, I have volunteered
as a coach forU12, U10, and U8 soccer teams.
I am also the director and one of the founding
members of the Punjabi Athletic Group. In
2016, I was a member of the Provincial Gold
medalist Calgary Phantoms at the Provincial
Ball Hockey Championships, and Master’s
National Gold medalists with Team Alberta.
After university I worked as a Financial Advisor
with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
at the Falconridge Branch. In 2002, I entered
the Real Estate and Development Industry. I
remain a member of several professional
associations including the Calgary Real Estate
Board (CREB), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and
Certified Commercial Investment
Management Institute (CCIM).
While working full time, I continued my
education in the faculty of Environmental
Design Planning program at the University of
Calgaryin 2003. I was then awarded a grant
from the City of Calgary to conduct research
on ethnic diversity and affordable housing. I
expanded on the research and in the fall of
2006 presented my thesis on Planning for
Ethnic Diversity. In November 2006, I
graduated with a Master’s degree in
Environmental Design (Planning). In 2017, I
was elected City Councilor for Ward 5 in the
Northeast. Presently, I am Memberof
Parliament from Calgary-Skyview riding.
Your Regret in Life
I regret not taking advantage of travel
opportunities as a student.
Pick Any One of Your Best Achievements
Professional – Being elected as a Councillor and
subsequently as member of Parliament.
Personal – getting married having kids and
finishing masters and working full time all in
the same year.
Were You Ever Discriminated?
Yes. From a young age to the present day, I
have been subjected to racial slurs.
Are You Happy in Canada?
Yes. I have been blessed with many
opportunities in Canada. I entered politics to
serve and help improve our City and Country to
the best of my abilities.
Any Comments on Canada’s Culture
This is a country where people from around the
world can live freely as Canadians,while
retaining their ethno-cultural origins and
communities.
Any Comments on Canada’s Weather
I lovethe winters because I like to ski and play
ice hockey. In Calgary, we get to see four distinct
seasons, sometimes all in a single day!
What Brought You Success in Canada?
My parents always provided the conditions for
me to succeed, including a stable home life,
emotional support, healthy meals, and so much
more. Growing up in Calgary also offered
manyopportunities to learn, contribute and
achieve my goals in school, sports, and work.
Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants and
How?
It is a priority of mine. I did my Master’s thesis
on planning for ethnic diversity. I have brought
forward Notices of Motions to City Council,such
as the Multilingual Communications and
Engagement,to help support the integration
of new immigrants in Calgary and Canada. I
will continue to advocate for
furtheropportunities and supports for new
immigrants.
Your Message for Canadians of Asian Origin
Every opportunity is available in Canada if you
are willing to learn, work hard and not give up!
Follow your passion and dreams!
MATRIMONIAL
Canadian Citizen/PR match preferred for Beautiful Jat Sikh
girl, 5’4", 26 years, M.A.(Punjabi), B.Ed. at present in Punjab
(Dhaula, District Barnala). Only Jat families contact.
+1 780 802 7707/+1 780 804 3300,
email: kharpreet.dhaliwal456@gmail.com
(Continued...Page 1)
“I am very much delighted that Sharma made
us inclusive and created the precedent of
cooperative media fraternity” stated Harbans
Buttar, Chief Editor of Punjabi Akhhbar.
Avneet Teja and Shaveei Singh also attended
on behalf of Prime Asia TV.
Brian Jean, Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA
also greeted the attendees and explained his
“autonomy” platform for UCP Leadership race.
Councilor Andre Chabot of Ward 10, Calgary
also greeted the audience and appreciated the
contribution of South Asians in the development
of the City. More than 100 attendees enjoyed
the entertainment program put together and got
involved by dancing and singing.Yash Sharma
extended heartfelt thanks to all and especially
to Daisy Dhillon, Tejinder Bhateja, Sandeep
Bajaj and Sandeep Sharma for making the
adequate arrangements.
INTERIOR RAILING
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www.asiantribune.ca.