Toronto: Seven Indo-Canadians have been elected in assembly elections in British Columbia where the ruling Liberal party got the absolute majority for the third consecutive year, a rare occurrence in the westernmost province of Canada.
Among those who were elected was provincial attorney-general Wally Oppal; former super cop Kash (Kashmir) Heed; former transportation minister Harry Lali; Raj Chouhan; Dave Hayer; former Indian basketball player Jagrup Brar and Harry Bains.
Gordon Campbell, the first premier in a quarter-century to win three terms in a row, said British Columbians have voted in favour of taking steps that weren't easy to take.
"But they were the right steps to take. Initiatives we have taken to deal constructively and positively with the challenges of climate change," Campbell said while congratulating Indo-Canadians.
Liberals and New Democrats, the province's two main parties, had sparred during the campaign over issues including the economy and several local scandals. But the environment was the key poll issue.
The elections to the 79-member legislature, which are held in British Columbia every four years under provincial law, was conducted on Tuesday.