• Source:JND
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In a historic showing of Punjabi representation in Canadian politics, 22 candidates of Punjabi descent have won seats in the House of Commons following the recent federal elections, marking a major milestone for the community. Out of the 65 Punjabi-origin candidates in the fray across the country, these elected MPs will now play a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s political future. The elections also saw Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party making a surprising comeback, securing a fourth consecutive term, although falling just short of an outright majority.

Punjabi Candidates from Across Canada

This year’s elections saw Punjabi-origin candidates contesting from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. They represented all major political parties, the Liberal Party, the Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party (NDP), and the Green Party, along with a few independents.

While there were many victories, the elections also brought significant defeats. One of the most notable was that of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, a prominent face of Punjabi-Canadian politics, who lost his seat in Burnaby Central. Another surprise was the loss of Kamal Khera, Canada’s health minister, from Brampton West. She was defeated by Amarjit Gill of the Conservative Party.

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Key Winners: Liberals And Conservatives

Among the successful Punjabi-origin MPs, Anita Anand, minister in Carney’s cabinet, retained her Oakville East seat. A daughter of Indian immigrants, Anand has previously served as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. Bardish Chagger, who served as Minister for Diversity, Inclusion, and Youth, also returned from Waterloo Riding. Sukh Dhaliwal, a veteran MP from Surrey-Newton, was re-elected, continuing his long-standing presence in the House.

Other Punjabi- origin MP winner include, Ruby Sahota (Liberal Party), Maninder Sidhu (Liberal Party), Sukh Dhaliwal (Liberal Party), Anju Dhillon (Liberal Party), Iqwinder S Gaheer (Liberal Party), Randeep Sarai (Liberal Party), Gurbaaz Saini (Liberal Party), and Param Bains. 

The Conservative Party also saw strong performances by Punjabi-origin candidates. Tim Uppal, a former minister under Stephen Harper, won again from Edmonton Mill Woods, maintaining his hold on the constituency. Other Conservative winners include Jasraj Singh Hallan (Calgary East), Dalwinder Gill (Calgary McKnight), Amanpreet Singh Gill (Calgary Skyview), and Arpan Khanna (Oxford).

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New Faces And Milestones

One of the most notable fresh faces in the new House is Sukhman Singh Gill, who won from Abbotsford–South Langley and is likely to be the youngest MP. Indy Panchi made history by winning from New Westminster–Burnaby–Maillardville, becoming the first Indian-origin MP from New Westminster.

Other Punjabi-origin winners include Amandeep Judge (Brampton North), Bob Dosanjh (Brampton East), Sukhdeep Kang (Brampton South), and Amarjeet Gill (Brampton West), solidifying Brampton’s position as a Punjabi political hub.