FIFTEEN of the 32 South Asians elected MPs on Monday are from British Columbia (seven), Alberta (six) and Quebec (two).

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA

 

Liberals:

1. Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey Newton):

Sukh Dhaliwal is the Member of Parliament for Surrey-Newton after successive victories in the 2015, 2019 and 2021 elections. He previously served as the Member of Parliament for Newton-North Delta from 2006-2011. As a professional engineer, Fellow of Engineers Canada, land surveyor and small business owner, Sukh has functioned in many community capacities in Surrey before entering public office. He has participated on the Board of Directors for SEEDS (Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society), served as a member of the City of Surrey Parks and Community Services Committee, and volunteered with the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Emergency Capital Campaign. Sukh presides over one of the highest volume constituency offices in Canada, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to addressing the issues, concerns and challenges faced by local constituents. He currently serves as Chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. He has also served on other parliamentary committees including International Trade; Transportation; Infrastructure and Communities; and Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. Sukh has proudly called Surrey home for over 25 years, where he and his wife Roni have built a life and raised their three children. Their son Arjan is currently studying at University, while their daughters, Keerat and Joat, are both practicing physicians in British Columbia. When Sukh is not attending community events for which he has become well-known for, he enjoys taking family walks with Roni and their beloved dog, Walter.

 

2. Randeep Sarai (Surrey Centre):

Randeep Sarai is a community leader, lawyer, and entrepreneur. He was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Surrey-Centre in 2015 and has been dedicated to being the voice of Surrey residents in Ottawa. Randeep was born in Vancouver and raised in South Burnaby. He graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts and went on to complete his Bachelor of Laws at Queens’ University in Kingston, Ontario. He was a Founder and served as a Director of Virsa – Supporting Youth Strengthening Families Society and helped start the South Asian Community Coalition Against Youth Violence, which successfully championed for the creation of the Integrated Gang Task Force. Randeep’s involvement in the community began at a young age when he began volunteering with his late father. Randeep supported his father to raise funds to fight against polio through the local Rotary Club, build their local temple, and organize food drives. The Sarai family was always committed to giving back to the community. Since 2015, Randeep has helped bring funding for SFU Surrey’s new Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Energy campus, a Veteran Affairs Centre for Surrey veterans, and get Canada’s largest and most technologically advanced Forensic lab built in Surrey Centre. He has also helped secure the Surrey SkyTrain extension to Langley and successfully advocated for Canada’s newest Development Agency, PacificCan, to have its headquarters in Surrey Centre. In Ottawa Randeep has served most recently on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, as well as the Committee Chair for the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. In May 2022, Randeep’s Private Member’s Motion, M-44 was adopted with unanimous consent, which will expand pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers. Randeep and his wife, Sarbjeet live in Surrey. Their three children are attending university in BC and are very active in sports, recreation, arts and cultural activities. In his spare time, Randeep cherishes time with his family, including their Labrador named Mr. Cuddles, and enjoys activities such as yoga, soccer and jogging. Randeep is committed to making Surrey the most transit friendly, low crime metropolitan centre in Canada.

 

3. Parm Bains (Richmond East- Steveston):

During his service as the Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East (2021-2025), Parm Bains was a member of the committees for Government, Operations, and Oversight, and Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics. These committees reviewed legislation, considered amendments, conducted studies, and issued reports with recommendations to the House of Commons. Notable studies completed during his term included Social Media and Foreign Entities, Disinformation and Misinformation Impact, Foreign Interference and Integrity of Democratic Institutions, National Shipbuilding, Air Defence Procurement, Regulatory Reform and Competition Modernization, Public Servants Disclosure Protection, and Government Spending. Parm collaborated seamlessly across all levels of government, securing over $640 million in investments for Richmond. His proactive approach towards identifying public policy initiatives and fostering relationships between government, industry, and community allowed him to successfully acquire government commitments for Richmond. Parm was born in Victoria and raised in Richmond where he became an active member of the local community and British Columbia as a public service worker, gaining over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, public policy development, and government and media relations. Parm served as Vice Chair of the Richmond Community Foundation and remains involved in Richmond’s sports community, volunteering in coaching and mentorship roles. Parm earned a Master of Arts degree in Professional Communications with a Specialization in International and Intercultural Studies from Royal Roads University in Victoria. A former instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Parm lives with his wife and two children in Richmond.

 

4. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre):

Dr. Hedy Fry has been the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre for 31 years. She was elected in 1993 and was the first rookie to defeat a sitting Prime Minister. She is now the longest-sitting female Member of Parliament in Canadian history. Fry was born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, and is of Indian, Scottish, Spanish and Chinese ancestry. Her eldest son, Pete Fry, was elected to Vancouver City Council in the 2018 municipal election. She practiced medicine at St. Paul’s Hospital for two decades, delivering over 500 babies. She served as Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) in Jean Chrétien’s cabinet from 1996-2002. She brought these two clear Canadian values globally during that time. She fought for LGBTQ2SI+ rights from the beginning, delivering full equality to that community through legislation and policy. She is a strong advocate for human rights, housing, healthcare, seniors, and the environment – all important issues for residents of Vancouver Centre. In addition to her duties as Member of Parliament, Fry serves as head of Canada’s delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (OSCEPA), and is the OSCEPA’s Special Representative for Gender Issues.

 

5. Taleeb Noormohamed (Vancouver Granville):

Taleeb Noormohamed was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville. He is a dedicated community and business leader with a track record of success who has built and helped to lead large global technology companies, and advised many others, creating hundreds of jobs in Canada and around the world. Taleeb was a key member of the leadership team of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, serving as Vice-President for Strategy and Partnerships. Previously Taleeb was an official in the Government of Canada, first at the Privy Council Office, then as Director of the Review of the Bombing of Air India Flight 182. Taleeb completed his Undergraduate degree at Princeton, his Masters at Harvard, and attended Oxford University as a Commonwealth Scholar for his doctoral studies. Taleeb is a Governor of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and serves on the External Advisory Council of the MacEachen Institute for Progressive Policy. He previously served on the Boards of Covenant House Vancouver and the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. He was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal and was named to Business in Vancouver’s top 40 under Forty.

 

6. Gurbux Saini (Fleetwood-Port Kells):

Arriving in Canada in 1970 with just $8 in his pocket, Gurbux worked as a lumber piler and rose to become a plant manager—all while continuing his education and supporting his family. His journey is a testament to his resilience, determination, and lifelong commitment to serving others. Originally from Williams Lake, where he served seven terms as City Councillor, Gurbux has deep roots in British Columbia. There, he chaired committees such as Finance, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation and led numerous initiatives that improved public amenities and quality of life. Gurbux’s leadership extended to the North Central Municipal Association, where he advocated for communities across the region. Since moving to Fleetwood-Port Kells in 2016, Gurbux has championed local park improvements, including public washrooms, park benches, and storage solutions. He is currently leading efforts to establish a walking track and community center in Chimney Heights Park. Gurbux has also played a vital role in supporting MP Ken Hardie’s re-election campaigns and continues to give back through nonprofit initiatives. Gurbux brings decades of experience to his role, including serving on the BC Liquor Appeal Board, BC Commercial Appeals, and the BC Tourist Advisory Commission.

 

Conservatives:

 

1. Sukhman Gill (Abbotsford-South Langley):

Sukhman Gill is a 25-year-old businessman and passionate community advocate, born and raised on his family’s blueberry farm in Abbotsford-South Langley. From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic, starting at just seven years old on the farm. He holds an Associate in Applied Science (Agri-Business Ag Econ), an Associate in Business, and is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He has actively engaged in his community by participating in initiatives like GiveBackAbby, supporting the annual Mela and Canada Day events hosted by the Diamond Cultural Club Association, and volunteering with KidsPlay, a non-profit organization dedicated to steering young people away from drugs, gangs, and violence. As the Farm and Office Coordinator for BKS Blueberry Farm Ltd., he has gained valuable experience managing farm operations and gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by local families and businesses.

 

 

ALBERTA

 

Conservatives:

 

1. Tim Uppal (Edmonton Gateway):

Conservative Tim Uppal was re-elected in Edmonton Mill Woods for a second consecutive term in 2021. In a stunning upset in 2015, then-Minister of State for Multiculturalism Uppal was defeated by Liberal candidate Amarjeet Sohi by just 92 votes. Uppal took back the riding in 2019, soundly defeating Sohi. Uppal was the Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Sherwood Park from 2008 to 2015. He was appointed Minister of State for Democratic Reform. In July 2013, Tim became Minister of State for Multiculturalism. Prior to entering politics, Tim was a residential mortgage manager for TD Canada Trust and served as a senior advisor to the Conservative Party of Canada. From 1992 to 1997, he was executive producer and host of a radio show on CKER in Edmonton. Tim Uppal was born in British Columbia and raised in Edmonton. He comes from a hardworking and proud Canadian family who emigrated from Punjab, India. Tim and his wife Kiran have three young children, Kirpa, Nihal, and Fauja.

 

2. Jasraj Singh Hallan (Calgary East):

Jasraj Singh Hallan was re-elected from Calgary Forest Lawn in 2021. He won the Conservative Party nomination in August 2019 to replace veteran Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai, 69, who died that month after a battle with liver cancer, in the riding of Calgary Forest Lawn. He ran unsuccessfully in the 2019 Alberta general election for the riding of Calgary-McCall. Hallan is a husband, father, small business owner, community volunteer and a long-time resident of northeast Calgary. Born in Dubai, he immigrated to Canada as a child and was raised in Calgary. He grew up in northeast Calgary, graduated from Lester Pearson High School and has an accounting degree from SAIT. Jasraj has a certified Master Builder designation and runs a successful homebuilding business.

 

3. Amanpreet Gill (Calgary Skyview):

Amanpreet Singh Gill is the former president of Gurdwara Dasmesh Culture Centre Calgary. His hometown is Moga, Punjab. Amanpreet has a long history of community service and has been a driving force behind several charitable community projects including the “No Hungry Tummy” Initiative and the DCC Food Bank. Additionally, he played a major role in the advancement of the Mata Sahib Kaur Ji Women and Children’s Transitional Housing Project located in the community of Saddleridge. This project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing safe, supportive housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence and facing housing insecurity. Amanpreet oversaw countless programs at DCC including initiatives that promoted interfaith dialogue, youth engagement, newcomer support, mental health awareness, and cultural preservation. He has worked tirelessly with community partners, city officials, and provincial stakeholders to advocate for equity, inclusion, and social upliftment.

 

4. Dalwinder Gill (Calgary McKnight):

With over 21 years in real estate, Dalwinder has helped many families in Calgary find their homes. His career has been about more than just buying and selling homes, it has been about building relationships, understanding people’s struggles and witnessing the challenges in our community, he says. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Mathematics from India, along with a software certification from SAIT in Calgary. He has volunteered at cultural workshops for children, and has served as a treasurer for a local organization. He is a proud father of two children.

 

5. Shuv Majumdar (Calgary Heritage):

In July 2023, Shuv (Shuvaloy) Majumdar became the third Conservative MP of South Asian origin, following his win in a byelection in the riding of Calgary Heritage in Alberta. The other two South Asian Conservative MPs in that province were Tim Uppal and Jasraj Singh Hallan. Most of Calgary Heritage was once part of Calgary Southwest, a riding held by former prime minister Stephen Harper. The byelection was called when Conservative MP Bob Benzen decided to quit. Majumdar is the son of Indian-origin immigrants to Canada. According to his website at the time, “his 25 years of conservative activism started with the Reform Party in the late 1990s, continuing on to work with Preston Manning in building the conservative movement.” Early in his career, Majumdar was called to serve in leadership roles promoting democratic reform in Afghanistan and Iraq. This experience led him to work with Harper in government and business. Before that, he was foreign policy advisor to both Harper and Conservative foreign affairs minister John Baird. He’s been “a friend and colleague of [Conservative Leader] Pierre Poilievre since their time at the University of Calgary.”

 

6. Jagsharan Singh Mahal (Edmonton Southeast):

Jagsharan Mahal has called Edmonton Southeast home for over 15 years. As a lawyer, father and community leader, he deeply understands the challenges families, workers and small business owners face in the community. He defeated Mayor Amarjeet Sohi of the Liberal Party.

 

 

 

QUEBEC

 

Liberals:

 

1. Anju Dhillon (Dorval-Lachine-La Salle):

From a young age, Anju naturally championed social justice. It has been a common thread throughout her career and life; as a caregiver, volunteering for the good of the community, running her own self-built law practice, and then in public service, she has always been and will continue to serve those in need. Bill C-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Judges Act, which was passed in 2023, is an example of Anju’s legislative initiatives. This legislation is also known across Canada as Keira’s Law. This legislation irrevocably changed the administration of the justice system in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV). Before this legislation came into force, coercive control was not recognized by the courts, and IPV was not considered in release conditions. The legislation also amended the Judges Act by requiring judges to undergo training on domestic violence and to consider risks to the survivor’s safety when determining whether a person accused of intimate partner violence should wear an electronic monitoring device before release. Before Keira’s Law, release conditions did not include monitoring devices or even mention intimate partner violence. This legislation (Bill C-233) forever changed the legal landscape of criminal and family law. Bill C-233 inspired legislatures across Canada to implement similar initiatives. When the most vulnerable in our society are protected, it saves lives and strengthens the safety of communities across Canada. In addition to being a member of the Barreau du Québec, Anju is an accredited mediator in the fields of civil, commercial, and labor law. She holds a Master of Laws and a Juris Doctor from the Université de Sherbrooke, a Bachelor of Laws from the Université de Montréal, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, graduated with distinction, from Concordia University. In 2015, she was elected as a Member of Parliament and became Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of the Status of Women, before working on various portfolios and committees. Originally from the riding of Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, Anju began her political career at the age of 13, volunteering for the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC). In her many roles with the Association over the years, Anju ensured that her actions and initiatives reflected the values ​​and principles of the LPC. She continued to put them into practice with a Liberal government that brought about significant and progressive changes in social justice, the environment, and the economy.

 

2. Sameer Zuberi (Pierrefonds-Dollard):

Sameer Zuberi was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Pierrefonds—Dollard in 2019. In Parliament, Sameer has worked tirelessly to defend human rights, protect minorities, and foster social cohesion. He has received widespread international recognition for his efforts to raise awareness of the plight of the Uyghur minority. Sameer was born and raised in Montreal. His mother is from Brockville, Ontario, and his father immigrated to Canada from Pakistan in the 1970s. Growing up in a mixed family, Sameer has worked tirelessly to build bridges between communities and foster mutual understanding. He has played a leading role in promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as protecting Charter values. Before his election to the House of Commons, Sameer worked to promote diversity at McGill, where he supported the admission of Black and Indigenous students and students from less privileged backgrounds. Professionally, Sameer has also worked as a legal researcher and educator, as well as in the fields of media relations and human rights. From 1997 to 2002, Sameer also served with the Black Watch, a Canadian Forces Reserve unit. Sameer holds degrees in law from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and in mathematics from Concordia University. He lives in Pierrefonds—Dollard with his wife and their two young daughters.