February 7, 2025 – Ottawa, ON
Baltej Dhillon, a distinguished former RCMP officer and community leader, has been appointed as an independent senator for British Columbia. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday, with Governor General Mary Simon formally appointing him to the Senate.
Joining Dhillon in the Senate are Martine Hébert from Quebec and Todd Lewis from Saskatchewan. In his statement, Trudeau expressed confidence in the new appointees, saying:
“Congratulations to Mr. Dhillon, Ms. Hébert, and Mr. Lewis on their appointment as Parliament’s newest independent senators. Their broad range of experience will be a great benefit to the Senate, and I am confident they will continue to be strong voices for their communities.”
Baltej Dhillon has long been a prominent figure in Canadian law enforcement and community service. Born in Malaysia, he immigrated to Canada in 1983 and made history in 1991 by becoming the first RCMP officer to wear a turban, advocating for religious freedom while serving in uniform.
Over his 30-year career with the RCMP, Dhillon worked on several high-profile investigations, including the Air India Flight 182 tragedy and the Robert Pickton case. His expertise as a major crime investigator, polygraph examiner, intelligence officer, and emergency planner played a critical role in shaping law enforcement strategies in British Columbia.
His leadership extended beyond policing, as he managed intelligence operations at the Provincial Intelligence Centre of British Columbia (now the Real-Time Operations Centre of British Columbia), the first such center in Canada. Additionally, he oversaw the British Columbia RCMP Divisional Emergency Operations Centre and the federal Serious and Organized Crime’s Intelligence section.
Beyond law enforcement, Dhillon has been a dedicated advocate for youth engagement and crime prevention. In 2013, he led the Sikh Leadership and Police Committee on Gang Violence, working to develop prevention strategies for at-risk youth within the Sikh community.
Since retiring from the RCMP in 2019, Dhillon has continued his work in public safety, serving as Program Manager for the Crime Guns Intelligence and Investigations Group within British Columbia’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, the province’s anti-gang agency.
His contributions to community service extend to various organizations and initiatives, including leadership roles in youth mentorship programs and committees addressing public safety. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to service, Dhillon was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Times of Canada at the Diwali Gala in 2019.
In the 2024 British Columbia provincial elections, Dhillon ran as the BC NDP candidate for Surrey-Serpentine River but was defeated by BC Conservative candidate Linda Hepner, former mayor of Surrey.
Despite the electoral setback, Dhillon’s unwavering commitment to public service has now led him to Canada’s upper house of Parliament. As a senator, he is expected to bring his wealth of experience in law enforcement, intelligence, and community advocacy to national policymaking.
His appointment reflects the federal government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the recognition of his lifetime contributions to Canada’s justice system and public safety.
Baltej Dhillon’s appointment to the Senate is a significant milestone in his remarkable career. As he takes on this new role, British Columbians can look forward to his continued leadership in shaping policies that address crime prevention, diversity, and public safety at the national level.
