With a unique blend of public and private sector experience, Harinder Takhar is a strong voice for fiscal accountability at Queen’s Park.  He is committed to managing the provincial budget responsibly while delivering better health care and education for the people of Mississauga-Erindale.

First elected as MPP in 2003, Harinder has served in several senior ministerial roles, where he has shown leadership in fighting for small business and strong consumer protection.  He is currently Minister of Government Services and previously served as Minister of Transportation, as Ontario’s first Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services.

Before his election, Harinder was President and CEO of Chalmers Group, where he increased sales eighteen-fold in ten years. Chalmers was judged a finalist among the 50 best-managed private companies in Canada in 1995.

A Certified Management Accountant and FCMA, Harinder served as Chair and Treasurer of the Board of Governors of the Credit Valley Hospital and as Associate Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Peel District School Board.

As Chair of the United Way of Peel Region, Harinder led a successful fundraising campaign that eliminated the organization’s debt.  He was also a founding member and President of the International Punjabi Chamber of Commerce.

Harinder taught business and CMA/CGA-accredited courses at Sheridan College for 13 years, serving as a mentor for many aspiring accountants.

A 35-year resident of Mississauga, Harinder is married to Balwinder.  They have two daughters.