Prof. Raj Pannu, former leader of the Alberta NDP has died, according to an NDP statement released Thursday.
Elected as MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona in 1997 alongside Pam Barrett, the only other NDP MLA at the time, Pannu was described as a likeable and honest politician with a reputation making him well-respected by supporters and non-supporters.
He led the Alberta NDP from 2000 to 2004 and was granted lifetime membership in the party in 2001, recognizing his dedication and leadership.
His 2001 Alberta election campaign was notable, with slogans like "Raj Against the Machine" contributing to his popularity.
Pannu's efforts laid the groundwork for the party's current standing and its continued fight for social justice and equity in Alberta, said the NDP.
“The Alberta NDP Caucus extends our sincere condolences to Dr. Pannu’s family, friends and all to whom he meant so much,” they wrote.
Pannu spoke out against the injustices of his day.
Pannu was born in India, completing an undergraduate degree before immigrating to Canada in 1962. He settled in Whitecourt where he worked as a high school teacher until 1964.
In 1964 he moved to Edmonton to work on a graduate degree, completing a PhD in sociology in 1973.
He taught at York University for one year (1968–69) before returning to the University of Alberta where he taught for 27 years until his retirement in 1996.
He is professor emeritus at the University of Alberta.
Pannu's cause of death is unpublished.
