Canadian Parliamentary Elections: Record Number of Indian and Punjabi-Origin Candidates in the Fray

A record number of candidates of Indian and Punjabi origin are contesting in the ongoing Canadian parliamentary elections, reflecting the growing political influence of the South Asian community. This time, candidates from this background are contesting in around 65 constituencies across the country.

In the 2021 elections, 45 Punjabi-origin candidates stood for election, with 17 securing seats in the House of Commons. In 2019, 47 contested, and 22 were elected. The current elections feature Punjabi candidates not only from major parties such as the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, and the New Democratic Party (NDP), but also several independents.

These candidates are primarily contesting in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. Prominent names in the race include NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Liberal candidates Kamal Khera, Anita Anand, Bardish Chagger, and former Edmonton mayor Amarjit Singh Sohi. In British Columbia's Surrey Centre and Surrey Newton, both Liberal and Conservative parties have fielded Punjabi candidates.

In Surrey Centre, Randeep Sarai is the Liberal candidate, while Rajveer Dhillon is running for the Conservatives. In Surrey Newton, the Liberal Party's Sukh Dhaliwal is competing against the Conservative candidate Harjit Singh Gill and the NDP's Raj Singh Toor. In Calgary East, Jasraj Singh Hallan is representing the Conservative Party.