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Raj Pannu




Raj was born in Punjab , India completing an undergraduate degree before immigrating to Canada in 1962 . Raj settled in Whitecourt, Alberta , where he worked as a High School Teacher until 1964 .

In 1964 Raj moved to Edmonton, Alberta , to work on a graduate program. Raj completed a Ph.D. in Sociology in 1973 . Raj then taught at York University for one year before returning to the University Of Alberta where he taught until his retirement in 1996 .

Raj entered Provincial Politics in 1997 when he was first elected to the Legislative Assembly Of Alberta representing the riding of Edmonton-Strathcona . Raj became leader in February of 2000 after the previous leader, Pam Barrett , retired from politics.

Despite being unable to form the provincial government, Pannu ran a high-profile campaign in the 2001 Alberta Election . T-shirt s emblazoned with the slogan " Raj Against The Machine ", as well as a reputation as a likeable and honest politician contributed to his popularity and made him a leader well-respected by supporters and non-supporters alike.

He announced on July 13 , 2004 , that he was resigning as party leader. Fellow MLA Brian Mason , the deputy leader, became interim leader. Mason was formally elected leader in a Leadership Convention held on September 18 .

Although he has left his leadership post, Pannu sought re-election as an MLA in the 26th Alberta General Election , held on November 22 , 2004 . Pannu was re-elected by a wide margin.


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