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CBE names new school after MLA Manmeet Singh Bhullar killed in roadside crash

The legacy of a Calgary MLA killed on Highway 2 last year will live on at a new public school in the northeast

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Manmeet Singh Bhullar, the Calgary MLA who was killed trying to assist a motorist, would have been thrilled to have a public school named after him, says his family.

“Manmeet was a huge advocate for education and would be so proud and honoured to have a school in northeast Calgary named in his memory,” said Namrita Rattan, Bhullar’s widow. “This will now be a place where we hope children will grow, learn, and aspire to be future leaders of their community.”

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The Calgary Board of Education is expected to open Manmeet Singh Bhullar School for kindergarten through Grade 5 students in Martindale in September 2017.

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Bhullar was killed Nov. 23, 2015, after pulling over on Queen Elizabeth II Highway to help a motorist who had lost control. While trying to help the stranger, Bhullar was struck and killed by a semi-truck.

Born and educated in Calgary, Bhullar graduated from Lester B. Pearson High School and earned a bachelor of arts degree from Athabasca University and a bachelor of law degree from the University of Windsor.

In 2008, Bhullar was the youngest member in Alberta’s 27th legislature when he was elected as Progressive Conservative MLA for the northeast constituency of Calgary-Montrose, now called Calgary-Greenway.

Between 2008 and 2015, Bhullar served in a number of different roles, including parliamentary assistant to the minister of advanced education and technology, where he worked to change the designation of Mount Royal College to Mount Royal University.

He also served as minister of human services and lifted a publication ban that allows families of children in foster care to speak about their experiences.

“Mr. Bhullar was a passionate advocate for Alberta children and families, particularly those living in northeast Calgary,” said Pamela King, trustee for Wards 5 and 10. “He believed in the value of public education and the importance of instilling optimism and courage in young people.”

rrumbolt@postmedia.com

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