A new elementary school in the northeast community of Martindale is set to open in the fall of 2017. On Thursday, the Calgary Board of Education announced the school would bear the name of a former MLA who championed for children in the province.

Manmeet Singh Bhullar School recognizes the contributions of the MLA who served the citizens of northeast Calgary as the representative for Calgary-Montrose, later renamed Calgary-Greenway, from 2008 until his tragic passing 2015.

“Mr. Bhullar was a passionate advocate for Alberta children and families, particularly those living in northeast Calgary,” said Pamela King, CBE Trustee for Wards 5 & 10. “He believed in the value of public education and the importance of instilling optimism and courage in young people.”

Bhullar died in 2015 after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to assist a stranded motorist on the QEII Highway.

The school will house classes from kindergarten through Grade 5 with a student capacity of 600.