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Canada’s 45th federal election: People of Indian origin in Canada, especially Canadian Sikh migrants have become a powerful group and a major force in the domestic political field. They also have equal representation in the present Parliament. For example, three of the 34 MPs from Alberta province are of Indian origin. Out of 45 MPs in British Columbia, five MPs are of Indian origin. These include some eminent Sikh leaders like Jagmeet Singh and Harjeet Sajjan. Apart from this, there are many leaders of Indian origin who are not currently members of Parliament.
It is well known that Punjabi is a major force in Canadian politics. Now Gujarati is trying to make his mark. Four Gujarati candidates are in the fray for the federal elections of Canada to be held later this month. Jayesh Brahmabhatta, Sanjeev Rawal, Ashok Patel and Minesh Patel will create history by contesting for parliamentary seats in the 45th federal election of Canada on 28 April. Let’s know about them…
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Jayesh Brahmabhatta
According to NDTV, Jayesh Brahmabhatta wants to contest from Brampton Chinguakosi Park constituency on the party ticket. Civil engineer Brahmabhatta moved to Canada in 2001. After this he became a successful real estate developer. Brahmabhatta told the Times of India, “Freedom, responsibility, fairness and respect for all of us are in favor of all of us and somewhere this is echoed with me.” He said, “I have talked to many people and they want change from this election. Political parties in Canada are now recognizing Indians as an important community in the political field, and are taking full advantage of this opportunity to get representation and say their words like Gujaratis.”
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Sanjeev Rawal
According to Hindustan Times, Sanjeev Rawal is contesting from Calgary Midnapur constituency on Liberal Party ticket. Born in Tanzania, Sanjeev Rawal has been living in Calgary for more than two decades. Rawal has a chain of shops, they have good relations with Indian community groups. Hindustan Times quoted Rawal as saying, “We are fighting on the issues that come up with the middle class, seeking better infrastructure and sports facilities, affordable housing and work opportunities for all.” “The country needs immigrants, but there should be a balance. We hope it can be restored with the right policies. Now we have a voice.”
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Ashok Patel and Minesh Patel
According to NDTV, Ashok and Minesh Patel are contesting as an independent candidates. Ashok Adamon is contesting from Sherwood constituency, while Minesh Patel has filed his nomination from the Calgary Skyview. Both have background business. It is not surprising to keep close watch on the politics of Canada.
Oversees Friends of India Canada (OFIC) International Business Director Hemant Shah told the Times of India, “More than one lakh remains in Canada. This community is present in almost all major cities, but Toronto, Montreal, Otawa, Calgary and Vankuvar are more in the country. Many people came to the country as many students and many people came as many students. I have been in Canada for decades and in this election we are probably looking at the most candidates of Gujarati origin.
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Political strength of Punjabi community
The evidence of the increasing strength of the Punjabi-Canadian community in the country is reflected in the political leadership of the country. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh was a prominent ally in the previous Justin Trudeau government. According to Livemint, Jagmeet Singh is also the first Sikh to lead a major federal political party in Canada. Jagmeet Singh’s NDP supported Trudeau’s minority government. In September 2024, Jagmeet Singh withdrew support from Trudeau’s government due to failure to resolve major issues such as affordable housing, healthcare and rising costs. Later Trudeau resigned due to ‘internal party struggle’ and dissatisfaction with his reign.
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2 Punjabi ministers in current government
Anita Anand is currently in the post of Science and Industry Minister in Canada, while Kamal Kheda is the Health Minister. Anand was also in the last Trudeau cabinet. Liberal Party MP Sukh Dhaliwal is also a high-profile politician. Former Minister of Youth Affairs Bardish Chaggar is also of Sikh origin.
7.71 lakh Sikhs in Canada
According to the Times of India, the latest census shows that there are about 7.71 lakh Sikhs in Canada. They are about 2.1 percent of the country’s population. According to Gurdeeds, Sikh is the fastest growing group in Canada. He is also the fourth largest religious group in the country. Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta have the largest Sikh population of Canada. Out of 7.71 lakh Sikhs, more than 2.36 lakh births are Canadian citizens. In 2022, Punjabi became the fourth most spoken language in Canada.
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