Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby and the new Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture

Local MLA ready to take personal experience into new Parliamentary Secretary role

Dec 19, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Harwinder Sandhu has a new role in government and is ready to bring her personal experience into her work.

The MLA for Vernon-Lumby was named the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture for the B.C. NDP Government.

Speaking with Vernon Matters, Sandhu said she grew up in a farming family and understands the efforts needed to work in the sector.

“The understanding about farming and having to see and witness and even do some farming work alongside my dad, the blood, sweat and tears that goes into farming to bring food on our table, which people often forget and take for granted, that’s not lost on me,” Sandhu said, adding she also still has family working in the sector who keep her up to date with the challenges they face.

Sandhu said she was very excited to take over the role and work with farmers, ranchers and others in the industry throughout the province to address key priorities.

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“The focus is farmers, ranchers, and the entire sector, and even dairy farmers, [and how to] support them to make them more climate resilient, as well as finding ways to support them so farming can be seen as a sustainable area for youth and how do we attract more youth because more and more people probably, with climate change and the challenges that face the sector, may not see it as a viable area to make a living,” Sandhu said.

“Also, how do we grow the potential and explore other options for food security, as well as enhance the sector in general? There are some farmers looking for a niche to add to their farming, so innovation and how do we deal with climate adaptation and drought response and water infrastructure.”

Another challenge the sector faces is drought, and Sandhu said the B.C. NDP are investing in water storage and management systems so the resource is available for crops and livestock.

The local MLA added she believes she will do well in this role as she, like many farm workers in B.C., speaks Hindi and Punjabi, so she will be able to communicate well with people in the sector.

Sandhu spent a portion of her first term in office as Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long Term Care, in which she was also able to provide some insight from her experience working as a nurse for 25 years, but is excited to take on this new role.

“Beside tourism and some other areas, agriculture plays a significant role in our region and our economy,” Sandhu said.

“Most importantly, food is life, and I’ve always believed ‘No Farmers, No Food,’ it’s something I’ve held near and dear to me and whenever farmers are struggling, whether here or across the globe, it really hits home. I’m very happy and excited [to take on this work].”

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