MLA: Harry Lali - Fraser-Nicola

Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law: Indeed I shall observe it with my whole heart." Psalm 119:34 (NKJV). Our prayer rises heavenward today as we seek blessing and guidance for MLA: Harry Lali who has for a dozen or more years laboured unreservedly for the benefit of the people of British Columbia. He has come from half way around the world and become a proud citizen of this great land of Canada and demonstrates his love for this bountiful place by his dedication and service to the people of his adopted land. We pray for guidance, fortitude and sincerity of purpose as he endeavours to serve with distinction both in the legislature and in the riding he represents. We pray also for blessing on his good wife and children as they too play such and important part in supporting him both in the home and when he is in the legislature. We leave this good man in your care Lord. Strengthen him for the busy schedules that confront him endlessly day to day. Thank you Lord of eternity for considering our prayers for MLA: Lali and all of our MLA's. Amen.

Harry Lali served as Minister of Transportation and Highways from February, 1998, to February, 2001. He was the longest serving NDP Highways Minister in British Columbia. Previously, Harry served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests from June, 1996, to February, 1998.

Harry serves as opposition critic for community and rural development.

In 1988, Harry was elected City Councillor in Merritt for one term. In 1991, Harry was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yale-Lillooet, re-elected M.L.A. in 1996, and 2005. He was elected to a fourth term on May 12, 2009.

Harry is 51 years old and was born in Jullundur District, Punjab, and currently lives in Merritt. He was educated at the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and South Asia Area Studies. Harry is the founder of the group that established the Chair of Punjabi and Sikh Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Before his election to the Legislature, Harry was an Employment Counsellor for the federally-sponsored Merritt Outreach Program from 1986 – 1991. He has also worked at MOSAIC in Vancouver. Harry is a former member of the IWA Local 1-417 when he spent 11 summers working in the sawmill industry in Interior B.C. Harry is also a former co-owner of a sporting goods store.

From 2001 – 2006 Harry owned his own business that was involved in international development and technology transfer to developing countries, namely in the field of environmental technologies and power generation.

Harry and his wife, Rani, are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter.