“I want to congratulate the British Columbia doctors who won awards this spring for their service. This includes Dr. Gulzar Cheema, who has served as a doctor and politician for over 40 years, as well as several other honoured doctors.”

“Mr. Speaker, earlier this spring, Doctors of BC recognized the recipients of its annual awards, celebrating physicians whose leadership, service and dedication continue to strengthen health care across British Columbia. Among this year’s honorees was Dr. Gulzar Cheema, who received the Silver Medal of Service. For over 40 years, Dr. Cheema has made exceptional contributions to medicine and public service as a physician, educator and former MLA in both Manitoba and British Columbia. In 2001, Dr. Cheema was appointed British Columbia’s first minister of state for mental health, a landmark role that brought cabinet-level leadership and advocacy to mental health and wellness more than 25 years ago. Doctors of BC also recognized outstanding physicians including Dr. Charlotte Yong-Hing, Dr. Edith Blondel-Hill, Dr. Steven Goodchild and Dr. Eric Yoshida, whose work continues to make a meaningful difference in communities across the province. I congratulate all this year’s recipients on this well-deserved recognition.”