News

Kwantlen University Alumni Association (KUAA) cheered on one of its own as the 2010 Olympic Flame travelled through the communities of White Rock, New Westminster and Richmond on Feb. 9, 2010.

Honoured to be selected as one of the RBC Olympic Torchbearers, Kwantlen University Alumni Association’s Board Chair, Baltej Dhillon, felt a deep sense of pride as he advanced the flame along Marine Drive in White Rock.

“It was incredible,” said Dhillon. “I am so humbled and proud to represent my country and to be able to show the world what it means to be a Canadian.”

Dhillon, a sergeant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), stirred the nation into an unprecedented controversy in 1988 when he found himself fighting for his religious right to wear his turban in place of the Stetson—a hat perceived by many as the symbol of the Canadian “Mountie.”

The debate became a national issue. It drew commentary from senior ranked RCMP and politicians of all political stripes, as well as sparked heated discussions in schools and coffee shops across the country.

Over 275,000 people signed a petition against the allowance of a turban. Opponents went as far as filing a petition defending their case in the Supreme Court of Canada. Although he received much support and encouragement, Dhillon was also the subject of death threats.

Two years later, however, on May 11, 1991, Dhillon was victorious in his struggle and today proudly wears his turban while working in the RCMP and serving and protecting Canadians.

“This was a proud achievement not only for my family and the Sikh community but, I believe, for our entire country,” said Dhillon.

Over the years, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal recipient has worked tirelessly to give back to his community. He has volunteered as a counsellor and motivational speaker at youth camps for over 10 years, as well as served as a committee member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quesnel, as vice president and secretary at the Cariboo Gur Sikh Temple and committee member and co–chair on South Asian Advisory Committee and Consortiums for United Way.

In addition to being KUAA Chair, Dhillon is currently a member of the guild of speakers with Passages to Canada and directorof 3HO Organization in Vancouver.

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