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Ranj Pillai, who has roots in Kerala, becomes premier of Canadian province
Pillai will become just the second premier in Canadian history of Indian heritage, following Ujjal Dosanjh who held that post in the province of British Columbia between 2000 and 2001
Ranj Pillai is set to become the second Indo-Canadian to be the premier of a Canadian province or territory after being unanimously chosen as leader of the Yukon Liberal Party.
Pillai was confirmed as the ruling party’s new leader between on Sunday. He met Angélique Bernard, Commissioner of the Yukon, on Monday to share his intention to serve as the 10th premier of the territory. He is expected to be sworn in to the post, equivalent of a Chief Minister, within a week.
Pillai, who has family roots in Kerala, was born in the province of Nova Scotia but has been long settled in the Yukon. A businessperson by background, he was first elected to the Legislative Assembly as MLA for Porter Creek South in November 2016, and was inducted into the Cabinet as deputy premier and minister of energy, mines and resources, and economic development. He is currently the minister for economic development, tourism and culture.
Pillai will replace Sandy Silver, who has been premier since 2012, the longest such tenure among incumbents at this time.
“I am truly honoured to have this opportunity to be the new party leader. Throughout my upbringing, I was taught the value of public service and have spent the majority of my life serving people. I am committed to working hard, acting strategically, seeking common ground, and fiercely defending the interests of the Yukon,” he said in a statement released by the party.
Pillai will become just the second premier in Canadian history of Indian heritage, following Ujjal Dosanjh who held that post in the province of British Columbia between 2000 and 2001.
Pillai has been an enthusiastic supporter of strengthening ties with India. In fact, in December, he met with India’s High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma, in Ottawa. At the time, he tweeted, “There are many opportunities for the Yukon and India to work together including Post-secondary connections to the hospitality industry; labour force recruitment for the tourism and health care industries; critical mineral development and the start-up and technology sector.”
Pillai also participated in Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas celebrations organised by the Indian Consulate in Vancouver last year.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his congratulations to Pillai “on being selected as leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and the Yukon’s next Premier” in a statement released by his office.
“I look forward to working with incoming Premier Pillai to continue to build healthy and resilient communities in the Yukon and a better future for all Canadians,” he added.
Pillai is married with two children.
