Khan sworn in as first Manitoba Muslim MLA

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This article was published 04/04/2022 (1065 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Obby Khan brought a message of peace and blessings to the Manitoba Legislative Building as the first Muslim MLA to hold a seat in the chamber.

On Monday, the Progressive Conservative representative for Fort Whyte offered a traditional Arabic greeting during his inaugural member’s statement: “Assalamu alaykum.”

“I’m privileged to start my journey here today in these glorious halls with the great words of peace be upon you all,” Khan said, with his family gathered in the gallery of the chamber.

“My hope is that this moment will stand out for the young diverse children across this great province, saying, ‘I can do that as well. I matter, I am heard, and I am seen.’”

Earlier in the day, Khan’s family, including his 70-year-old mother, gathered at the legislature to witness the former Winnipeg Blue Bombers player turned businessman sworn in, on a Qur’an gifted by a friend.

Khan described it as one of the greatest moments of his life and an incredible honour.

“I promise to work hard every day, to be a strong voice for my community, a positive leader and an advocate for their priorities,” he said.

Khan, who was elected in a March 22 byelection for the seat vacated by former premier Brian Pallister, said the legislature became a more inclusive and diverse place Monday.

The rookie politician finished his remarks by committing to a respectful dialogue with all members of the assembly, before taking in a raucous question period with heckling he described as similar to a Canadian Football League game.

“I felt like I was playing in Saskatchewan,” Khan later told reporters. “I was not prepared or ready for that. You’ve heard about it, but it was a little wild.”

Opposition NDP Leader Wab Kinew also welcomed Khan, saying his presence in the chamber was a milestone for the provincial government.

“Not only is it meaningful for young Muslim children, it’s meaningful for all children that they can now look to this place and say, ‘Of course, there should be Muslim legislator in Manitoba’s chamber,” Kinew said.

Khan said he has phased himself out of his business operations and will be meeting with the province’s conflict of interest commissioner this week to discuss next steps related to his ventures, including Shawarma Khan restaurants, Green Carrot Juice Company and e-commerce platform GoodLocal.

“I’m prepared to phase myself out of all of my businesses. Whatever is needed to be done… I’m looking forward to working through that process to get out,” Khan said. “I’m 100 per cent committed to my job here as an MLA in Fort Whyte.”

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca