In a landmark outcome for Canada’s Punjabi community, a record 22 candidates of Punjabi heritage have secured seats in the House of Commons following the latest federal election—a significant rise from 18 in 2021 and 20 in 2019. The surge underscores the growing political influence of one of Canada’s largest immigrant communities and marks a new chapter in Ottawa’s multicultural landscape.
Dominant Showing in Brampton
The Peel Region riding of Brampton once again proved to be a stronghold for Punjabi Canadians, who captured five of the city’s six seats. In Brampton North, Liberal newcomer Ruby Sahota edged out Conservative hopeful Amandeep Judge, while in Brampton East, Liberal Maninder Sidhu held off Bob Dosanjh. Brampton Centre saw the return of veteran Liberal MP Amandeep Sohi, who defeated Conservative Taran Chahal. Yet the Conservatives made headway, with Sukhdeep Kang unseating Liberal Sonia Sidhu in Brampton South, and Amarjeet Gill toppling two-time Liberal cabinet minister Kamal Khera in Brampton West—marking one of the highest-profile upsets of the night.
Liberal Bench Strengthens
Across the country, the Liberal Party welcomed several prominent Punjabi MPs to its caucus. Anita Anand, former defence minister, secured Oakville East; Bardish Chagger, ex-government House leader, won Waterloo; and Anju Dhillon returned in Dorval–Lachine. In British Columbia, Surrey Newton’s Sukh Dhaliwal and Surrey Centre’s Randeep Sarai held their seats, joined by fleetwood Port Kells’ Gurbax Saini and Richmond East–Steveston’s Param Bains. In Ontario, Iqwinder Singh Gaheer claimed Mississauga–Malton, further bolstering the Liberals’ Punjabi representation.
Conservative Camps Yield Key Victories
The Conservative Party also posted notable Punjabi victories. In Alberta, Calgary East’s Jasraj Hallan, Calgary McKnight’s Dalwinder Gill, and Calgary Skyview’s Amanpreet Gill all secured second terms. Yukon-born Tim Uppal triumphed in Edmonton Gateway, while Arpan Khanna took Oxford in Ontario. In British Columbia, Parm Gill was victorious in Milton East, and Sukhman Gill won Abbotsford South–Langley. Edmonton Southeast’s Jagsharan Mahal and Windsor West’s Harb Gill rounded out the Conservative tally of Punjabi MPs.
High-Profile Defeats Shake Up the NDP
Amid the celebration, there were sobering moments for the New Democratic Party. Jagmeet Singh, two-time MP for Burnaby Central and the party’s national president, finished a distant third, leading to his immediate resignation as president. The loss of Singh—a charismatic leader credited with expanding the NDP’s west-coast appeal—signals a period of soul-searching for the party.
Significance and Outlook
Political analysts suggest that the record Punjabi caucus will have an outsized voice on issues ranging from immigration policy to trade relations with India. “This is a clear reflection of Canada’s evolving demographic and the vital role Punjabi Canadians play in public life,” noted Dr. Meena Sharma, a political scientist at McGill University. As Canada navigates post-pandemic recovery and complex foreign-policy challenges, the newly elected MPs will bring fresh perspectives to Parliament Hill.
With the highest tally of Punjabi representatives ever seated, Canada’s federal parliament is poised to become more reflective of its diverse citizenry—a trend that shows little sign of slowing in future elections.
