Bio:

Veterinarian Dr. Hakam Bhullar became licensed with the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association (BCVMA) in 1995 and his first clinic, the Atlas Animal Hospital, opened its doors on November 20 that year. Dr. Bhullar opened his clinic, his home, and his heart to Indo-Canadian vets arriving in Vancouver. He was quickly recognized as a reasonably priced, honest, and very talented doctor.

Not only were other veterinarians in the vicinity of Dr. Bhullar’s clinics unhappy with his presence, they wanted him and all of the Punjabi vets gone. In an effort to curtail further licensing of immigrating Indian veterinarians from Punjab, the scheme of an English Proficiency Exam was implemented in May 2004. This was intentionally made and virtually impossible to pass so as to stop the “pipeline” of veterinarians from Punjab.

In June 2004, a huge public demonstration under Dr. Bhullar’s leadership at the office of the BCVMA ensued with a large media uproar. The Association continued their harassment of Dr. Bhullar including unscheduled surprise inspections.

On April 1, 2009, the BCVMA clearly admitted their first step of defeat when they wrote on their website that there was “no need for the English Proficiency test,” but not before spending millions of dollars of taxpayers money defending their position on this unnecessary and clearly racist attempt to stymie the lively hood of many innocent men and women.

After a Human Rights complaint was filed, there were numerous threats against Dr. Bhullar to stop the HR proceedings; his license was also revoked. On October 8, 2015, after more than 10 years and at a financial cost of $1.7 million and a personal toll on him and his family, Dr. Bhullar was finally vindicated. He was cleared of any and all charges laid by the BCVMA.

It was clearly stated by the Judge that the BCVMA was guilty of “Systemic Racism” against Dr. Bhullar and the other veterinarians who had participated in filing the HR claim with him against their Association. Dr. Bhullar got his license back January 29, 2016 and currently practices at the Atlas Animal Hospital.