As Canada gears up for its federal elections on April 28, a record number of Punjabi-origin candidates, 65 in total, are contesting seats across the country, reflecting the community’s growing political influence.
Diaspora dominance
In 2021, 45 Punjabi candidates ran with 17 making it to the House of Commons, while in 2019, 47 contested and 22 were elected
This time, 16 sitting Punjabi-origin MPs are seeking re-election; several seats will witness direct contests between Punjabi candidates
These candidates, representing all major federal parties including the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and Greens, as well as running as Independents, are spread across key provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.
The Punjabi community, which forms a significant part of Canada’s South Asian population, has seen its political presence steadily rise. This year’s election features a mix of seasoned politicians and fresh faces, including professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and community activists.
In 2021, 45 Punjabi candidates ran with 17 making it to the House of Commons, while in 2019, 47 contested and 22 were elected. This time, 16 sitting Punjabi-origin MPs are seeking re-election and several constituencies will witness direct contests between Punjabi candidates, adding an extra layer of interest for voters and observers as well as their relatives back home.
Among the prominent figures in the race are Liberal Party’s Kamal Khera, the Health Minister and incumbent MP from Brampton West, along with Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Anita Anand, who is seeking re-election in Oakville. Former minister and sitting MP Bardish Chagger is also running again in Waterloo. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, one of the most recognisable Punjabi-Canadian politicians, is contesting from Burnaby Central once more.
The Liberals have fielded a strong slate of Punjabi candidates, including Anju Dhillon (Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle), Ruby Sahota (Brampton North), Sonia Sidhu (Brampton South), Amarjeet Singh Sohi (Edmonton Southeast), Rahul Walia (Winnipeg Centre), George Chahal (Calgary McKnight), Randeep Sarai (Surrey Centre) and Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey Newton).
The Conservatives, meanwhile, have put forward contenders like Gurmit Sandhu (Scarborough North), Tim Uppal (Edmonton Gateway), Jasraj Hallan (Calgary East), Taran Chahal (Brampton Centre), Dalwinder Gill (Calgary Mcknight), Amanpreet S Gill (Calgary Skyview), Rajvir Dhillon (Surrey Centre) and Harjit Singh Gill (Surrey Newton).
Newcomers such as Amandeep Sodhi (Brampton Centre) and Rahul Walia (Winnipeg Centre) are also making their electoral debuts with major-party backing.
Campaigning on issues like immigration, healthcare reform, economic opportunities and Canada’s foreign policy —particularly its ties with India and South Asia — these candidates are engaging with an increasingly influential South Asian voter base.
Gurpreet Singh, community leader from Brampton, shared, “As proud Punjabi-Canadians, our community’s voice grows stronger in shaping Canada’s future. With every federal election, we see greater participation — not just at the ballot box, but through candidacies, policy influence and building bridges between communities.”
Manpreet Kaur, a youth advocate from Surrey, added, “Punjabis have enriched Canada’s cultural and economic landscape for generations. Our rising engagement in federal politics reflects this legacy. Every vote we cast affirms our identity, our priorities and our vision for a more inclusive and representative Canada.”
