THE first turbaned Sikh to serve as an officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been appointed a Senator.
According to reports, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this last Friday, highlighting Dhillon's distinguished career in law enforcement and his contributions to diversity and inclusion.
The statement noted that he was a retired career police officer, a community leader, and a lifelong advocate for diversity and inclusion.
In 1991, he “made history” as the first RCMP officer to wear a turban and went on to have a successful 30-year career with the RCMP, playing a key role in several high-profile investigations.
Since 2019, he has worked with British Columbia’s anti-gang agency, while remaining active in his community as a youth leader.
Baltej had also contested in the British Columbia provincial elections last year as a candidate for the ruling BC New Democratic Party, although he was unsuccessful.
In a statement on Facebook, he expressed his gratitude for the appointment.
“I am profoundly honoured 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.”
“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. In these uncertain times, it is crucial that we unite as a nation to confront the challenges before us,” he added.
Joining the RCMP was a challenge for Dhillon.
As the Hindustan Times reported in 2019 when he retired from the force, in 1988, when a young Dhillon wanted to join the RCMP, he found his way into the force barred because of his turban and beard, both prohibited by the regulations that existed at that time.
Known for its iconic red serge uniform and a Stetson hat, there was no accommodation from the RCMP for Dhillon, who had emigrated to Canada aged just 16 from Malaysia. – February 12, 2025
