In pictures: Meet Harpal Singh, an Indian immigrant in Brampton
Mr. Singh, a truck driver, lives in a multigenerational home that is typical of Brampton
Brampton resident Harpal Singh is pictured in his truck in Mississauga, Ont., on May 26, 2013. Mr. Singh was a banker in 1987 when he got married in Punjab, India, and moved to Winnipeg. He later moved to the Greater Toronto Area and switched professions to truck driving. When he needed to raise $4,000 for his trucking license, his friends in the Sikh community pooled their money together. Now, at 56, he brings in $5,000 to $6,000 a month.Michelle Siu/The Globe and Mail
Harpal Singh lives in a multigenerational home that is typical of Brampton. His spacious six-bedroom ‘castle’ houses his parents in the basement, while he, his wife and three daughters have the four bedrooms on the second floor. Harpal’s parents, Hardyal Singh and Ajit Kaur, are pictured at first and second left.Michelle Siu/The Globe and Mail
Harpal Singh and his neighbour and best friend Frank Arruga are photographed on June 11, 2013. Harpal is of Indian descent and Frank is Portuguese.Moe Doiron/The Globe and Mail
Harpal Singh and Frank Arruga at their neighbourhood Tim Hortons, a regular meeting spot, on June 11, 2013. Mr. Singh is not interested in living on a monocultural island, and his youngest daughter attends French-language school.Moe Doiron/The Globe and Mail
Harpal Singh sits with his seven-year-old daughter, Simar, while his father sits behind them in their Brampton home on May 26, 2013. Mr. Singh says living with his parents after marriage is a cultural norm, but given his and his wife’s demanding work schedules, his parents play a necessary role in daily life.Michelle Siu/The Globe and Mail
Harpal Singh poses for a photo on the bed of his transport truck on May 26, 2013.Michelle Siu/The Globe and Mail