Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar, an Indo-Canadian veterinarian, has left an indelible mark on both the veterinary profession and the fight for human rights. His journey from a small village in Punjab, India, to becoming a symbol of resilience and justice in Canada is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fairness, community, and affordable care.
From Punjab to Canada: A Visionary’s Journey
Born in Saron, a village in Punjab’s Sangrur district, Dr. Bhullar graduated in 1986 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. He began his career as a Veterinary Officer in the Punjab government before relocating to Canada in 1991.
To further hone his skills, he completed a year-long veterinary internship at Iowa State University in the United States in 1993. By 1995, he had become a licensed veterinarian in British Columbia, opening his first clinic, Atlas Animal Hospital, in Vancouver.
A Pioneer in Affordable Veterinary Care
Dr. Bhullar’s vision was to make affordable veterinary care accessible to all. He introduced a revolutionary model that:
- Eliminated emergency hour surcharges, ensuring equitable access for pet owners.
- Extended clinic hours and lowered prices to cater to all economic backgrounds.
- Welcomed newly immigrated Indo-Canadian veterinarians, offering mentorship, professional guidance, and financial partnerships.
This model not only transformed pet care in British Columbia but also empowered Indian veterinarians to establish themselves in a foreign land.
Expanding Access: A Chain of Clinics and Innovation
Within a year of opening his first clinic, Dr. Bhullar launched Lansdowne Animal Hospital in 1996. Over the years, he founded a chain of 20 veterinary hospitals, including a groundbreaking Mobile Animal Hospital—the first of its kind in British Columbia.
The mobile unit featured:
- A surgical room.
- A dentistry exam setup.
- A physical examination area, providing care to underserved areas.
Championing Equality Amid Systemic Racism
Despite his successes, Dr. Bhullar faced systemic racism from the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association (BCVMA). The association introduced discriminatory policies, including a stringent English Proficiency Examtargeting foreign-trained veterinarians, to curb the influx of Indian professionals.
- In 2004, the BCVMA pressured Dr. Bhullar to raise his prices and reduce clinic hours.
- Dr. Bhullar and his colleagues filed a Human Rights Tribunal complaint, challenging these practices.
- He led a public demonstration in June 2004, garnering media attention and public support.
When the BCVMA revoked his license in December 2009, he refused a multi-million-dollar settlement that would have required him to drop the human rights case, choosing instead to fight for future generations.
Victory After 11 Years: A Landmark Human Rights Case
In 2015, after 11 years of relentless legal battles and personal sacrifices, Dr. Bhullar was vindicated:
- The BCVMA was found guilty of systemic racism by the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal.
- The case led to policy changes across 25 professional regulatory bodies in British Columbia, promoting racial inclusivity.
- The BCVMA issued a formal apology to Dr. Bhullar and his family.
The tribunal’s 356-day hearing and its subsequent 2,000-page decision set a global precedent as the longest human rights hearing in history.
An Enduring Legacy of Compassion and Courage
Dr. Bhullar’s fight was not just for himself but for the countless Indian veterinarians who dreamed of practicing in Canada. His journey reshaped the professional landscape, making it more inclusive and equitable.
Today, his story stands as a shining example of:
- Justice in the face of adversity.
- Empowerment of underrepresented communities.
- Unwavering dedication to affordable, quality care.
Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar embodies the ethos of “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
