English PageIssue 316 (6) Asian Tribune September 23, 2022AsianStarHon George Chahal, M PAsian Tribune applaudedNative Village/Country parent’sbackgroundI was born and raised in Calgaryand grew upin the community of Saddle Ridge.My parents were both born in Punjab, India.My father was born in villageRatainda, DistrictShaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and my motherwas born in a village called Thanowali, DistrictJalandhar, Punjab, India.Your Early EducationI attended Stanley Jones Elementary, followedby Colonel Macleod Junior High in Renfrew. Icontinued my education at Crescent HeightsHigh School, completing an Advanced HighSchool Diploma. After high school, I attendeduniversity and graduated from University ofCalgary with a Bachelor of Arts degree inEconomics.When & Why You came to CanadaMy parents immigrated from the UnitedKingdom in the early 1960s, and I was born inCalgary. They felt Canada could providebetteropportunities for their children, and theywanted to be closer to their family.Your career advancement initiatives,volunteer work and present occupationThroughout my youth, I volunteered withsenior centres, nursing homes, and hospitals.Over the past several years, I have volunteeredas a coach forU12, U10, and U8 soccer teams.I am also the director and one of the foundingmembers of the Punjabi Athletic Group. In2016, I was a member of the Provincial Goldmedalist Calgary Phantoms at the ProvincialBall Hockey Championships, and Master’sNational Gold medalists with Team Alberta.After university I worked as a Financial Advisorwith the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerceat the Falconridge Branch. In 2002, I enteredthe Real Estate and Development Industry. Iremain a member of several professionalassociations including the Calgary Real EstateBoard (CREB), Urban Land Institute (ULI), andCertified Commercial InvestmentManagement Institute (CCIM).While working full time, I continued myeducation in the faculty of EnvironmentalDesign Planning program at the University ofCalgaryin 2003. I was then awarded a grantfrom the City of Calgary to conduct researchon ethnic diversity and affordable housing. Iexpanded on the research and in the fall of2006 presented my thesis on Planning forEthnic Diversity. In November 2006, Igraduated with a Master’s degree inEnvironmental Design (Planning). In 2017, Iwas elected City Councilor for Ward 5 in theNortheast. Presently, I am MemberofParliament from Calgary-Skyview riding.Your Regret in LifeI regret not taking advantage of travelopportunities as a student.Pick Any One of Your Best AchievementsProfessional – Being elected as a Councillor andsubsequently as member of Parliament.Personal – getting married having kids andfinishing masters and working full time all inthe same year.Were You Ever Discriminated?Yes. From a young age to the present day, Ihave been subjected to racial slurs.Are You Happy in Canada?Yes. I have been blessed with manyopportunities in Canada. I entered politics toserve and help improve our City and Country tothe best of my abilities.Any Comments on Canada’s CultureThis is a country where people from around theworld can live freely as Canadians,whileretaining their ethno-cultural origins andcommunities.Any Comments on Canada’s WeatherI lovethe winters because I like to ski and playice hockey. In Calgary, we get to see four distinctseasons, sometimes all in a single day!What Brought You Success in Canada?My parents always provided the conditions forme to succeed, including a stable home life,emotional support, healthy meals, and so muchmore. Growing up in Calgary also offeredmanyopportunities to learn, contribute andachieve my goals in school, sports, and work.Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants andHow?It is a priority of mine. I did my Master’s thesison planning for ethnic diversity. I have broughtforward Notices of Motions to City Council,suchas the Multilingual Communications andEngagement,to help support the integrationof new immigrants in Calgary and Canada. Iwill continue to advocate forfurtheropportunities and supports for newimmigrants.Your Message for Canadians of Asian OriginEvery opportunity is available in Canada if youare willing to learn, work hard and not give up!Follow your passion and dreams!MATRIMONIALCanadian Citizen/PR match preferred for Beautiful Jat Sikhgirl, 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 madeus inclusive and created the precedent ofcooperative media fraternity” stated HarbansButtar, Chief Editor of Punjabi Akhhbar.Avneet Teja and Shaveei Singh also attendedon behalf of Prime Asia TV.Brian Jean, Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLAalso greeted the attendees and explained his“autonomy” platform for UCP Leadership race.Councilor Andre Chabot of Ward 10, Calgaryalso greeted the audience and appreciated thecontribution of South Asians in the developmentof the City. More than 100 attendees enjoyedthe entertainment program put together and gotinvolved by dancing and singing.Yash Sharmaextended heartfelt thanks to all and especiallyto Daisy Dhillon, Tejinder Bhateja, SandeepBajaj and Sandeep Sharma for making theadequate arrangements.INTERIOR RAILING3211-97 St. NW Edmonton. AB T6N 1B7780-667-0031P: 780-249-0031F: 780-249-0041E: info@elitespindlesandrailings.ca www. elitespindlesandrailings.cawww.asiantribune.ca.
English PageIssue 316 (7) Asian Tribune September 23, 2022www.asiantribune.ca.