In a major development, Punjabi singers Jazzy B, Channi Nattan, and Inderpal Moga were invited to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in Victoria, where they were hosted for lunch in the Parliamentary Dining Room and honored by lawmakers. During their visit to the British Columbia Assembly, Jazzy B, Channi Nattan, and Inderpal Moga met Premier David Eby and other MLAs, posing for photos and engaging in cordial discussions.
While the visit was praised by many, including Richmond-Queensborough Conservative MLA Steve Kooner, whose father K.S. Kooner was a popular Punjabi singer in the 1980s, it triggered backlash from others. Independent MLA Dallas Brodie called the invitation an "insult to the Assembly," citing concerns over alleged links between Jazzy B and the Pro Khalistan movement.
Brodie, who represents Vancouver-Quilchena, posted on social media condemning the visit. Brodie's tweet reads, "Today, prominent Khalistan sympathizers were welcomed into the BC Legislature by both BC Conservatives and NDP MLAs. Some of these individuals have glorified violent extremists and murderers in their music videos. This dishonors our Assembly.”
Notably, Punjabis continue to dominate the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. 14 candidates of Punjabi origin have won, which is the largest representation so far. Of these, five are from the Conservative Party and nine from the New Democratic Party (NDP). The political participation and influence of the Punjabi community is constantly increasing.