FORMER BC MLA Dave Hayer has received the Outstanding Canadian Lifetime Achievement Award, ‘recognizing his decades of contributions to British Columbia and Canada through public service, community leadership, business, multiculturalism and his commitment to democratic values.” Hayer received the recognition at the Outstanding Canadian Awards ceremony in Toronto on October 24, joining Canadians recognized for their leadership, professional achievements and contributions to their communities and country.
“Dave Hayer represents what this Lifetime Achievement Award is intended to recognize: a sustained commitment to public service, community and country,” said Ray Alix, Co-founding Chairman of the Outstanding Canadian Awards. “His life has been shaped by both tremendous achievement and profound personal adversity, yet throughout it all he has continued to serve others and stand for the values that define Canada. We are proud to recognize his lifetime of contribution.”
The press release states: “Hayer served for 12 years in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, from 2001 to 2013, representing communities in Surrey. During his time in public office, he also served as Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Immigration. His commitment to community, however, extends well beyond elected office. Before and throughout his public career, Hayer was active in business, media and community organizations, including the Indo-Canadian Times, the Rotary International District 5050, Surrey Crime Prevention Society, Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. His community involvement has encompassed multiculturalism, public safety, education, business and civic participation. He also helped establish the Surrey Police Officer of the Year Awards, recognizing the work of police officers and community members contributing to public safety.”
“His father, Tara Singh Hayer, was the founder and publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times and became an outspoken opponent of extremist violence. In the aftermath of the 1985 Air India bombing, he provided information to Canadian authorities and was expected to be an important witness. He survived a 1988 assassination attempt that left him paralyzed and, a decade later, was murdered outside his Surrey home in 1998. The federal Commission of Inquiry into the Air India bombing subsequently documented the threats and intimidation surrounding Tara Singh Hayer and others who spoke out against extremist violence. Those experiences have informed Dave Hayer’s continued advocacy for public safety, democratic freedoms and the importance of standing against violence and intimidation,” the press release states.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Hayer. “Canada has given my family and me tremendous opportunities, but our journey has also included profound loss. Those experiences have reinforced for me how important it is to protect our democracy; stand up for our communities and never take the freedoms we enjoy in Canada for granted. I share this recognition with my family and with the many people I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my life.”
