Mr Grewal, who represents Newton-North Delta Riding of British Columbia in the Canadian House of Commons, is not only a third-time MP representing the Opposition Canadian Democratic Alliance (CDA) but has wife, Narinder, in Parliament as well. Gurmant and Narinder are the first parliamentarian couple of Indian origin in the Canadian House of Commons.

Mr Grewal is currently on a six-day tour of India and Pakistan. It may be a mere coincidence that he is travelling to the subcontinent when Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin is also expected to visit New Delhi on January 14. A strong delegation, including some Canadian MPs of Indian origin, are expected to accompany him. Mr Ujjal Dosanjh, who is Health Minister in the minority government of Mr Paul Martin, is already here.

Talking to The Tribune, Mr Grewal says that there is a vast scope for improving trade and cooperation between Canada and South Asia."Of late Pakistan has played a significant role in the anti-terrorism campaign and is an emerging market. Regrettably, it was in 1998 that the Liberal Government unwisely imposed sanctions against both India and Pakistan in a knee-jerk reaction to their nuclear tests.

"As a result of the sanctions, Canada's trade with India declined by 33%, despite a Team Canada mission headed by the Prime Minister in 1996. While sanctions were imposed, Canada even voted against India and Pakistan at international levels, irrespective of the issue. Suddenly the Canadian Government realised that it was rapidly falling behind other nations and in 2001 it decided to lift the sanctions ," said Mr Grewal. "I am truly very pleased to have this unique opportunity to work to strengthen ties between our nations and am confident that this visit will prove to be highly beneficial for our countries," continued Mr Grewal.

Mr Gurmant S. Grewal is now the Chairman of the Canada-India Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and Acting Chairman of the Canada-Pakistan Parliamentary Association. "I welcome this opportunity to strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties between the people of our nations," said Mr Grewal, who is a product of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

Son of a school teacher, Mr Gurmant Grewal created history when he became a Parliamentarian within a few years of acquiring Canadian citizenship.In the last elections held last year, both he and his wife were elected as representatives of the main Opposition alliance.

He serves as Joint Chairman of the Standing Joint Committee of the House and Senate on Scrutiny of Regulations. Mr Grewal was the only Canadian politician of Indian origin who lobbied and assisted in convincing the Indian Government to recognise dual citizenship. He has raised concerns for the extra-long waiting period for processing immigration applications for family class and the abuse by Canadian spouses orchestrating fake or fraudulent marriages. He has raised the issue of recognition of foreign academic credentials through his motion in the House of Commons in 1998. He has recently introduced a Bill to facilitate a guarantee by a Canadian or landed immigrant to sponsor a visitor to Canada.

Mr Grewal has exposed corruption at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi and Islamabad, which assisted in cleaning up some of these problems; was the force that ensured drinking water and washroom facilities would be available for people waiting in the long line-ups at the High Commission office; and successfully lobbied for the consulate office in Chandigarh.

Mr. Grewal has also helped to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan; has lobbied to resolve the Kashmir issue; and, in 1998, after the nuclear tests, successfully worked to ease sanctions placed upon India and Pakistan by the Canadian Government.