Longtime Surrey MLA appointed KPU’s chancellor

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is welcoming Harry Bains, who served as MLA for Surrey-Newton from 2005-2024, as their next chancellor.

“I’m excited to serve an institution that I have great regard for having served the community all these years,” said Bains.

As the university’s ceremonial head Bains’ duties will include presiding over convocation — graduation ceremonies. Bains is already familiar with the school as he served on KPU’s Board of Governors from 1993-1999 — he also received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the university last year.

Prior to this appointment, Bains has also been known as a longtime labour advocate. First moving to Canada in 1971 from India, Bains worked in a Vancouver sawmill and became involved in his union to better the working conditions. He was elected to the Steelworkers-IWA Canada Local 2171 and served in the union for 15 years.

When the NDP formed government in 2017. Bains was appointed labour minister by then-Premier John Horgan. Some of Bains’ achievements include raising B.C.’s minimum wage to where it is now one of the highest in the country, improving the Workers Compensation Act to prioritize the rights of injured workers and removing roadblocks for workers to join unions, among other things.

Interim KPU President Diane Purvey said Bains “has been steadfast in his engagement with and support for KPU through his service on the board, his time as MLA for the riding hosting our busiest campus, and his continued attendance at convocation and campus events after his departure from politics.”

Bains will be the school’s fourth chancellor, succeeding Kwuntiltunaat Kim Baird, a former elected Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation.

“I have long admired KPU’s role in preparing future leaders and contributors to building a successful British Columbia,” said Bains.