Women in Politics — Rajan Sawhney

Women in Politics An Afternoon with the Honourable Minister of Transportation: RAJAN SAWHNEY.

ost people never think that their passion and advocacy for a cause will break barriers, but Minister Rajan Sawhney has broken the glass ceiling in so many ways. She believes that when one believes so strongly in one’s goals, one takes action and as a consequence, one’s behaviors and activities naturally break down barriers. She acknowledges that a natural consequence of pursuing a goal is inadvertently changing the landscape. “It’s what motivates you at the end of the day and determines how far you are willing to go to achieve your goals.” None of this happens without a strong support system. These are the people who believe in you and are your foundation to success. She advises others to cultivate and invest in relationships carefully and meaningfully. As Minister of Transportation, Rajan has an invested interest in breaking down barriers.

Politics definitely chose Minister Rajan Sawhney. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Rajan can often extend beyond the “politically correct” framework of persistence by striving to create positive outcomes for not only her community but for all communities in our province of Alberta. This applies, particularly to our children and youth. Rajan states that her passion comes from “how I was raised, my faith, the role models I have had in my life, particularly the women, who have focused on selfless service in the community.”

What inspires her to keep making the world a better place is not only her children but all children and their

Mbrilliant futures. By being involved in politics, she envisions a safe, inclusive, prosperous society full of opportunities for children. Helping them aspire to achieve their full potential will enable them to give back to the community. Rajan’s grandparents were not afforded healthcare, electricity, running water or educational opportunities, so when her parents immigrated to Canada, they experienced a very different standard of living. She now wants to leave something for her children; opportunities she is thankful for. There is free entry to every Albertan who wishes to pursue a dream. There are “no limitations or barriers; just the ability to reach for the stars.” Minister Sawhney is an activist who is passionate about community engagement initiatives and this was evident from the temporary freeze on new photo radar devices being used on the roadways. “Safety is the number one priority for the MInistry of Transportation,” she stated. Rajan also feels that the new proposed guidelines that she announced will achieve a good balance of having the requisite tools to ensure Albertans are safe on the roads and highways, while ensuring that the intended purpose in the photo radar program is for traffic safety, not a money-making venture. Another development under MInister Sawhney’s leadership was the hiring and training of more government examiners and licensing more private examiners for Alberta Transportation. Registry agents began booking passenger

vehicle road tests in December 2020 for appointments that started in January of 2021. This private model quickly cleared the backlog of passenger tests within the first few months of last year.

Minister Sawhney’s legislative priorities for 2022 are focusing on a variety of projects including improving safety on our highways, building roads and bridges that will boost economic recovery, supporting our commercial trucking industry and starting construction on the Springbank Offspring Reservoir. This will ensure Calgary and Southern Alberta are protected from floods like the one experienced in 2013. Because of Edmonton’s Southwest population boom, which put a strain on the southwest portion of Anthony Henday Drive, work to widen the route began in 2019. Ease of congestion is projected to be finished by fall of 2022.

Minister Sawhney is well-read and enjoys reading health and wellness magazines. Happiness by His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be found on her bedside table. Rajan also likes to spend time keeping up-to-date with current events by watching the news channels such as Bloomberg, the

Another development under MInister Sawhney’s leadership was the hiring and training of more government examiners and licensing more private examiners for Alberta Transportation. Registry agents began booking passenger vehicle road tests in December 2020 for appointments that started in January of 2021.

Rajan Sawhney, Honourable Minister of Transportation

Economist, Globe and Mail and the National Post on her i-pad. Her hope for the future, she relays, must come from within every single one of us. Our attitudes and perspectives on life help us navigate through all circumstances. “Each of us has a responsibility to inculcate a spirit of optimism and positivity within ourselves and to those around us.” It can be contagious!