Harry Lali has become the longest-serving South Asian MLA in British Columbia and Canada.

Lali, the long-time New Democrat MLA, has represented Fraser-Nicola, formerly known as Yale-Lillooet, for almost 15 years. He was first elected in 1991, then re-elected in 1996, 2005, and 2009.

New Democrat and Liberal colleagues applauded Lali Thursday when Surrey-Newton MLA Harry Bains stood up during the daily “Introductions by Members” segment to point out that Lali had surpassed his close friend Moe Sihota for the distinction of “longest-serving Indo-Canadian MLA in B.C.”

“It really has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Fraser Nicola and the people of British Columbia for all these years and reach this historic milestone,” said Lali from the Legislature. “I am honoured that the people of my constituency have consistently put their trust in me to represent them in Victoria," he continued.

"I would also like to honour Moe Sihota who is not only a good friend, but also served as one of my mentors both before and during the years we served together in caucus and cabinet."