Baltej Singh Dhillon, a trailblazing retired police officer and advocate for diversity, has been appointed to Canada’s senate. Dhillon, who made history in 1991 as the first Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer to wear a turban, has had an illustrious 30-year career in law enforcement and community services.
Over the years, Dhillon played a crucial role in several high-profile investigations and, since 2019, has been working with British Columbia’s anti-gang agency. Beyond policing, he has remained an active leader in his community, particularly focusing on mentoring and guiding young people.
In a statement on Facebook, Dhillon expressed his gratitude for the appointment. “I am profoundly honored to share that I have been appointed as a Senator. This remarkable privilege fills me with immense gratitude, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve our nation in such a prestigious role.” he wrote.
“As a senator, I am dedicated to representing the interests and voices of all Canadians. Together, we will strive to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable nation,” he added.
Dhillon also made a foray into politics last year when he contested the provincial elections in British Columbia as a candidate for the ruling BC New Democratic Party (NDP), though he was unsuccessful.
His journey remains an inspiration to many, particularly for turban-wearing officers who have since followed in his footsteps in the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies. His appointment to the Senate is seen as a significant step towards greater representation and inclusivity in Canada’s political landscape.