With many candidates of Indian descent running for seats in the nation’s parliament, Canada is preparing for a crucial federal election on April 28.
A number of well-known Indian Canadians, including some Liberal government incumbents, are running in the elections. Here are several well-known contenders:
Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Cabinet, is running for re-election in the Oakville riding in Ontario. She is one of the few MPs who have retained ministerial posts from the previous Justin Trudeau government. Anand, who was previously the Minister of Transport, had announced her decision to step down from electoral politics but has since changed her mind.
Kamal Khera, Minister of Health in PM Carney’s Cabinet, is contesting the election from the Brampton West constituency, which she has represented since 2015. She was one of the youngest women to be ever elected to Canada’s parliament. Khera, a registered nurse and community volunteer, moved to Canada with her Indian parents as a young girl. She has a bachelor of science degree from York University, Toronto.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP since 2017, is not only contesting the election from his own constituency of Burnaby South but is also actively campaigning for NDP candidates across Canada. He was first elected to the legislative assembly of Ontario in 2011, representing Bramalea—Gore—Malton, until he entered federal politics.
Jayesh Brahmbhatt, a real estate developer and People’s Party of Canada candidate, is contesting the election. Brahmbhatt, who immigrated to Canada in 2001, said, “We stand for freedom, responsibility, fairness and respect for all, and somewhere it resonates with me. I speak to a lot of people, and they seek change from this election.” Per TOI, he also said, “Political parties in Canada are now identifying Indians as an important community in the political arena, and sub-groups such as Gujaratis are making the most of this opportunity to be represented and be heard.”
A prosperous businessman and Liberal Party candidate, Sunjiv Raval is running from Calgary Midnapore in the legislative election. “We are fighting on issues faced by the middle class, who have been demanding better infrastructure and sports facilities, affordable housing, and work opportunities for all,” said Raval, who has been actively involved in community work and has represented a number of Indian community groups.
In addition to serving as the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration’s chair, Sukh Dhaliwal has been an active member of the Surrey community since becoming a member of parliament for Surrey Newton in 2015. In addition to being a politician, Dhaliwal is a professional engineer, land surveyor, and small company owner who has dedicated his life to addressing the issues of his constituency.
Parm Bains won the elections in the 2021 federal election and is the Liberal Party MP for Richmond East – Steveston. His family immigrated to Canada from Punjab. Before venturing into politics, he was an instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and media personnel with the provincial government. He will be contesting for the same seat this year as well.
Another Brampton East MP, Maninder Sidhu, was elected in 2019 and again in 2021. He has served as a member of the standing committees on communities, transportation, infrastructure, and natural resources. In 2025, he will also run for the same seat.
The richness and complexity of the Indian Canadian population are reflected in the campaigns of these and other candidates running for seats in the Canadian parliament.
The election is anticipated to be fiercely contested, with the campaign focusing on themes including immigration, healthcare, and the economy.
