Dr. Tajinder Grewal, a research officer in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan and a Professional Agrologist with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, was selected as the NDP candidate for Saskatoon Willowgrove on Monday evening.
Tajinder Grewal selected as the NDP candidate for Saskatoon Willowgrove
Grewal has a PhD in plant sciences, with specialization in pathology, genomics and plant breeding. He has extensively published research papers in national and international journals and is active in many professional organizations, including the International Seed Testing Association.
"I'm delighted to have Tajinder on our team of candidates and I know he'll be a strong representative for all the people of Saskatoon Willowgrove," said NDP Leader Cam Broten, who spoke at the nomination meeting. "This constituency is diverse – full of young families just starting out, parents raising their kids but also looking after their own aging parents, and seniors enjoying their retirement years. There are new immigrants putting down roots and established families working hard in the midst of busy careers.
"New Democrats want to deliver more opportunity and security for all these families; a break for the middle class; high-quality education and good job prospects for all our kids; good health care for everyone whenever they need it; and better care for our parents and grandparents. We want to ensure that Saskatchewan's economy is strong and diverse, and that everyone in our province feels the benefits of Saskatchewan's prosperity."
Born and raised in Punjab, India, Grewal immigrated to Canada in 1999. He helped establish the Punjabi Cultural Association of Saskatchewan in 2004 and served as the organization's president from 2010 to 2012. He also helped establish the Saskatoon Field Hockey Club in 2003, and has served as its treasurer since its inception. He has been involved with a number of other community organizations, including serving as a board member with the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, Immigrant Access Fund of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Senior Support Service.
"I'm inspired and motivated by Cam Broten's vision of ensuring that politics isn't just about the province doing well, but it always needs to be about ensuring that people are doing well," Grewal said. "That's why I'm running in this election -- because I want to serve the people of Saskatoon Willowgrove and ensure that Saskatchewan's prosperity delivers benefits and opportunities for everyday families."