Canada: Is induction of Harinder Malhi in Wynne cabinet a strategy to woo Sikh voters?
Toronto, Jan 20 (IBNS): Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne's decision to induct Harinder Malhi, who had moved a motion against 1984 anti-Sikh riots, is perhaps a step to woo the Sikh voters with an eye on the upcoming provincial election, to be held in June this year., according to media reports.
Malhi, an MPP for Brampton-Springdale, has assumed the post of Minister of the Status of Women in a recent cabinet reshuffle by Wynne.
The 38-year old minister had termed the anti-Sikh riots as "genocide".
However, India had rejected the motion later.
In 1984, several Sikh people were killed across India which was perceived as a retaliation of the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh security guards.
Malhi's induction into the cabinet has also assumed significance since New Democratic Party (NDP) elected Sikh lawyer Jagmeet Singh as its leader last year.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne on Wednesday revamped her cabinet by infusing more women power into it, media reports said.
Wynne had announced the structural changes in her cabinet.
The new cabinet consists of eight women, three of them are ministers, adding to the women power in the government.
Nathalie Des Rosiers, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, has joined the cabinet as the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Daiene Vernile, MPP for Kitchener Centre, has been handed over the department of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Harinder Malhi, MPP for Brampton-Springdale, has assumed the post of Minister of the Status of Women.
Among the other changes, Mitzie Hunter became the new minister of Advanced Education and Skill Development.
Eleanor McMahon became the minister of Digital Government; Kathryn McGarry turned Transportation Minister; Indira Naidoo-Harris got Education ministry; Steven Del Duca became Minister of Economic Development and Growth.
Commenting on the changes in the cabinet, Wyne issued a statement which reads: "I am thrilled to have three new ministers joining cabinet for 2018. The knowledge and skills they bring to these roles will be crucial as we continue our work to create more fairness and opportunity for the people of Ontario."
"In a changing economy, our plan is about making sure everyone has a fair shot at getting ahead. That’s why it is also important to me that this updated cabinet continues to reflect both the diversity and the geography of our province," she added.
(Reporting by Suman Das)
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