About Diljeet Brar
When were you born?
Between 1966 and 1980 (Generation X)
Tell our readers a bit about your professional life. What do you do for a living? If you're an incumbent candidate, what did you do before you entered politics?
I worked with Manitoba Agriculture between 2014-18 as an Extension Coordinator serving Manitoba farmers in Interlake and Eastman.
I also established a personal development school in 2015 where I, along with my team, mentored over 400 next generation children in Folk Dance, language, public speaking, theatre, writing skills and dance teaching skills.
I also led on two important fundraising projects. First, raising over $50,000 for the Baba Nanak Scholarship for Masters in Human Rights Education program and then raising over $10,000 for the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre.
What's the highest level of education you've attained?
Master's degree
How long have you lived in the constituency? If you don't currently live there, what led you to run there instead of where you live?
As the incumbent MLA my connections with Burrows are very strong. I live very close to the Burrows boundaries. My older son goes to a school in Burrows. My younger one attends his sports classes and dance events in Burrows. I have volunteered with Seven Oaks School division that administers many schools in Burrows. I have mentored and taught Folk dance to many students living in Burrows. I have many families known to me who live in Burrows. So my community connection in Burrows led me to run for Burrows.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
The PCs' closure of the Seven Oaks Hospital Emergency Room deeply affects the quality of health care for residents in Burrows - an NDP government would re-open three ERs in Winnipeg and hire hundreds of new front-line health care staff.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
Fixing the health care system the PC government destroyed and making life more affordable for Manitobans.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
I love and respect any leaders who put their heart and mind into uplifting those who are less fortunate.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I am a folk lover. I love traditional Punjabi Folk music instruments, folk rhythms and songs. I also like pencil sketching. I love learning words and values from a variety of languages and cultures. I think this helps us connect better and harmonize our society which is facing divisive forces and intolerance.