Prominent human and civil rights lawyer Aman Singh is to be the NDP candidate for Richmond-Queensborough riding

AMAN (Amandeep) Singh, a prominent human and civil rights lawyer in B.C. with deep roots in the community, will be taking on Liberal candidate Jas Johal, former TV journalist, in the new riding of Richmond-Queensborough in the provincial election.

The riding combines Queensborough with the Hamilton neighbourhood of Richmond, most of East Richmond and a small part of the South Arm community and has a substantial number of South Asian residents.

NDP Leader John Horgan, who introduced Aman to the media on Wednesday, was accompanied by Jack Trovato, a local teacher and former federal NDP candidate, Gian Sihota, President of the riding, and New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy.

With Trovato, who was earlier in contention for the nomination, deciding to withdraw from the race, Aman will be acclaimed as the candidate on February 6.

“[Premier] Christy Clark isn’t working for people,” said Aman. “Every day people are paying more and getting less. I am proud to put myself forward to help defeat Christy Clark and form a government that works for everyone.”

“Aman Singh has what it takes to build a better BC,” said Horgan.  “He has the leadership experience and community connections needed to stand up to Christy Clark.  We’re excited he wants to be a part of the BC NDP team in Richmond.”

Trovato, who is supporting Singh’s bid, said: “Aman will be a strong voice for Richmond in a BC NDP government.  I’m proud to be standing with him.”

Aman has lived in B.C since 1988, and says he is a committed and passionate resident of Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Like many proud Canadians, Aman calls himself a true citizen of the world. Raised in Hong Kong, he moved with his family to East Richmond. He studied anthropology and physics at the University of California Berkeley, and obtained his Law degree from the University of Victoria.

Aman comes to the practice of law from an immersive background in human and civil rights activism from a young age. He approaches the practice of law from the perspective and knowledge of its critical role in our society and our political issues. As such, Aman focuses his practice in the areas of civil and human rights law as it intersects with criminal and international law. Aman is a member of the Law Society of British Columbia and the Canadian Bar Association, a member and director of the Prof Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation, a member and director of the Friends of the Sikh Cadets Society, and has been a director for the People’s Legal Education Society.

He has had the unique opportunity to be the legal representative in many high profile cases of international repute and has made appearances at the British Columbia Provincial and Supreme Courts as well as the British Columbia Court of Appeal, and has made applications for Leave to Appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada as well as represented clients seeking political asylum at Canadian tribunals.

Aman has made it a priority to donate his time to people and organizations close to his heart, working closely with Indigenous groups, and national and international non-governmental organizations.

Aman is a socially conscious small business owner. He understands that there is a balance that must be met in a society for economic prosperity to be genuine, sustainable, and socially responsible. His work involves helping businesses large and small succeed in today’s dynamic global economy. He draws on working relationships in China, South Asia and Vietnam to help these businesses succeed.

One of Aman’s missions is to bring more attention to the problem of addiction and the possibility of recovery. Aman is himself a recovered alcoholic, who has been sober for the better part of a decade. He plays an active role in the recovery community of Richmond and the Greater Vancouver area. As someone who has faced the adversity of addiction, and overcome the many challenges attached to it, he has a deep and experiential understanding of the challenges faced by the many people in our society (and their loved ones) that are currently struggling with addiction and mental illness. Aman believes that recovery is possible, and that a community that fosters care and respect for all of its members is the key. Aman is dedicated to bringing more attention to and demanding accountability for BC mental health services. He believes that the current government is failing people living with addiction and their families.

“Aman brings with him vast experience, great knowledge and unfathomable compassion, and is deeply honoured to be part of the BC NDP. He’s ready to work hard for what is best for all British Columbians and indigenous communities, and honour his responsibility to the people of Richmond-Queensborough – a place he called home for over 20 years,” he said in a statement.