Punjab, British Columbia speakers discuss closer institutional ties

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The North News

Chandigarh, December 16

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker , Kultar Singh Sandhwan, held talks with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Raj Chouhan, on strengthening institutional and people-to-people links between India and Canada. Chouhan, who paid a courtesy visit to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha along with members of his family, discussed ways to deepen cooperation, including trade and technology sharing, with a view to mutual benefit. He is the first Punjabi to serve as Speaker of British Columbia, a milestone described by leaders in Punjab as a moment of pride for the global Punjabi community.

Sandhwan said the large Punjabi diaspora in Canada played a significant role in the country’s economy, describing it as “another Punjab” abroad. He welcomed Chouhan’s interest in expanding economic engagement and collaboration between Punjab and British Columbia. Both speakers noted the similarities between their legislatures, saying the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia shared democratic values rooted in the Westminster tradition. These include public participation, transparency, the committee system and a strong commitment to the rule of law.

Chouhan said he looked forward to an exchange of ideas on best practices in legislative functioning, including security, service delivery, modernisation of proceedings and continuing education for members.

The visiting delegation was formally welcomed by Sandhwan along with legislators Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Rajneesh Dahiya and Kulwant Singh Pandori. Traditional Punjabi gifts, including phulkari embroidery, lohi and Sikh symbols, were presented to the guests.

Chouhan expressed gratitude to members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, thanking them for the warm reception and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening ties between the two regions.