Ex-Canadian MP Herb Dhaliwal marries Chandigarh teacher

The marriage was solemnised a couple of weeks ago. For both Dhaliwal and Neelu, this is a second marriage.

Dhaliwal’s first wife, Amrit, died of cancer a couple of years ago. Herb has two daughters and a son – Andrea, Justin and Jessica – from his first marriage.

Neelu has a teenaged son. She teaches sociology at Panjab University here. She has also worked as lecturer at Government Colleges in Ropar and Chandigarh.

Neelu is expected to visit the city later this month.

Earlier this year, she had gone to Canada on a fellowship.

Her fellowship, which was to end in April, got extended by two months. It is Neelu who confirmed the news of her marriage. Her mother lives in Mohali.

Dhaliwal, who belongs to Chhaheru in Jalandhar district, emigrated to Canada at the age of six. In 1993, he was elected to the House of Commons on a Liberal ticket.

He held the portfolios of fisheries and oceans and revenue, besides holding charge of Minister for British Columbia.

In 2003 because of his differences with the then Liberal leader and Prime Minister Paul Martin, Dhaliwal, who remained a member of the House of Commons for three terms, did not contest the election.

Quitting politics, he is now back to business which he started from the basement of his house before joining politics.