Takhar was born to a Sikh family in the Indian state of Punjab, with a background in farming and civil service work. He moved to Canada in 1974, and arrived in Mississauga, Ontario in 1977. He obtained a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in economics and political science. He has certified as a CMA. He has taught CMA and CGA accredited courses at Sheridan College for thirteen years. Takhar worked for such companies as AGRA Industries Limited, Linear Technology Inc./Gennum Corporation and Timex Canada Inc. he also served as an Associate Director and Chief Financial Officer of Peel Dtsricy School Board from 1994 to 2003. He also served as the president and chief executive officer of the Chalmers Group of Companies until his election to the Ontario legislature. 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." He lives with his wife Balwinder and their two daughters in Mississauga.
Politics
Takhar ran in the 2003 provincial election as the Liberal candidate in the riding of Mississauga Centre. He defeated Progressive Conservative incumbent Rob Sampson by 2,620 votes. He ran again in 2007 in the redistributed riding of Mississauga—Erindale defeating PC candidate David Brow by 6,638 votes. He was re-elected in 2011. While it was initially reported that he intended to retire, he changed his mind about running and was re-elected in June 2014. He was appointed Minister of Transportation on October 23, 2003, by Premier Dalton McGuinty. He is the first Indian-Canadian to hold a cabinet post in Ontario. In October, 2007 he was appointed as a Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. In September 2008, Takhar was given the added responsibility of The Ministry Of Consumer Services and was appointed to the revised cabinet post of Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services. In June 2009, Takhar's moved to the positions of Minister of Government Services. He resigned from Cabinet in 2012 in order to stand as a candidate in the 2013 Liberal leadership convention to choose McGuinty's successor. Takhar came in fourth place with 11.3% of the vote on the first ballot after which he withdrew to endorse Sandra Pupatello who went on to lose to Kathleen Wynne. On February 11, 2013, Wynne reappointed Takhar to position of Minister of Government Services and also made him the Management Board Chair. On May 8, 2013 he resigned from cabinet after being hospitalized with chest pains. He remained in the legislature as MPP until he decided not to seek reelection in June, 2018. He currently serves as the Chairman/CEO of Chalmers Group of Companies based in Mississauga. He previously served as the Chairman of United way of Peel and Chair of the Board of Credit Valley Hospital. He was also the founding member of the International Punjabi of Commerce.
