Harinder Takhar

Minister of Government Services

Harinder Takhar was elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. He was appointed the Minister of Government Services in June 2009. His previous portfolios include Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services and Ministry of Transportation.

In private life, Takhar has held leadership positions with several Canadian companies, including AGRA Industries Limited, Linear Technology Inc./Gennum Corporation and Timex Canada Inc. He served as the president and chief executive officer of the Chalmers Group of Companies until his election to the Ontario legislature. In 1995, The Financial Post recognized Chalmers Suspension International Inc., headed by Takhar, as a finalist among Canada’s top 50 best-managed private companies. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce also honoured the company with the Outstanding Business Achievement Award in 1999 and the Mississauga Board of Trade presented the company with the Small Business of the Year award the same year.

A tireless volunteer and community supporter, Takhar received the 2001 Community Service Award from the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario for “demonstrating selflessness and kindness for the benefit of society.” In addition to a term as chair of the United Way of Peel Region, Takhar has served as chair and member of the board of governors of the Credit Valley Hospital, and associate director and chief financial officer of the Peel District School Board. He is also a founding member of the International Punjabi Chamber of Commerce.

Takhar holds a master’s degree in economics and political science, and an undergraduate degree in English, economics and political science. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Management Accountants of Canada.

Takhar and his wife, Balwinder, have lived in Mississauga for more than 30 years. They have two daughters.