Dec. 01, 2016
The family of Manmeet Singh Bhullar with the Legacy Award
The CBE Board of Trustees presented the CBE Legacy Award posthumously to Manmeet Singh Bhullar on Nov. 29, 2016.
Manmeet Bhullar was born and educated in Calgary. He attended Chief Justice Milvain School and Annie Gale School and graduated from Lester B. Pearson High School.
During his time as a student, Manmeet was an active member of his school communities and an enthusiastic student athlete.
He earned a bachelor of arts from Athabasca University and a bachelor of laws from the University of Windsor. Elected MLA for the northeast constituency of Calgary-Montrose in 2008, he was the youngest member to be elected to Alberta’s 27th legislature.
Between 2008 and 2015, Manmeet served in a number of different roles, including parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, parliamentary assistant to Municipal Affairs, Minister of Service Alberta, Minister of Human Services and Minister of Infrastructure.
While parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, he worked to designate Mount Royal College as Mount Royal University.
As Minister of Human Services, he lifted a publication ban that allowed families of children in foster care to speak about their experiences.
He was a passionate advocate for youth, justice and education. In a speech given in 2008, Bhullar said,
“I want to inspire young people in my constituency. I want to inspire a generation of young people, and if I can inspire just one of them to get a postsecondary education, I will have done my job.”
Earlier this year, the CBE announced that the new school under construction in Martindale would be named in Bhullar’s honor.
Manmeet Bhullar served our communities with his energy, his passion and his whole heart. He worked tirelessly to better the lives of the youth of our province. He modeled for our students one of the four CBE Results – Citizenship.
Our students are able to see how their hard work and commitment can make true changes to our society. It is no doubt that he continues to be an inspiration for politicians and citizens alike.
Manmeet was a strong believer in public education.
He told the Athabasca University in an interview that “public education is the most important tool we have to ensure that all kids, and especially those growing up in environments where education isn’t appreciated, can thrive.”
The Board of Trustees shares this fundamental belief. Manmeet Bhullar left a true Legacy, and he is truly missed.
The award was accepted by Bhullar’s family.
The CBE Legacy Award celebrates public education in Calgary and the individuals who have contributed to our communities. In every corner of the city, across the country and beyond, our alumni have made a lasting impact.
Public education makes a difference in our communities, our country and our world. Legacy Award recipients will embody the work of the public education system and represent the legacy of the CBE: preparing students for life, work and inspiring life-long learning.
Success at the CBE is highly personal, with each student defining how they learn best and our teachers working to recognize the unique talents and gifts of each student. We want to acknowledge the individuals who continue this work, who use their unique talents to make our world better, the former students who are our legacy.
For more information about the Legacy Award or to nominate someone, please click here.
Manmeet Singh Bhullar (Mar. 1, 1980 - Nov. 23, 2015) at Lester B. Pearson High School
