SEVENTEEN of the 32 South Asians elected MPs on Monday are from Ontario.

 

ONTARIO

 

Liberals:

 

1. Amandeep Sodhi (Brampton Centre):

Amandeep Sodhi graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Certificate in Law and Public Policy. Her hobbies and interests include cooking, staying active, crocheting, and volunteering. Amandeep’s passion for politics was sparked by a desire to understand how progressive policies shape our country and empower individuals, especially women. Her passion was further cultivated during his time as the Vice President of the Women in Politics club. Currently working as a Legal Assistant at a family law firm, her role has allowed her to develop skills that are vital in navigating the legislative process. Born in Toronto and having lived in Brampton, London, and Caledon, Amandeep is a second generation Canadian that has firsthand connection to the challenges and strengths of our diverse surrounding communities. In additional to her personal experiences, Amandeep is an active member of her community. She has devoted my time volunteering in various local initiatives, hence, contributing to a stronger, more connected neighbourhood and helping to address the needs of those around her. As a dedicated lifelong Liberal, Amandeep has a passion for promoting women’s rights within the political and legal sphere, universal healthcare, and gender equality, and affordable housing.

 

 

 

 

2. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East):

Maninder Sidhu is a husband, father, entrepreneur, philanthropist and someone who is passionate about making Brampton a better place. He has lived in Brampton since he was a child, and it is where he and his wife are raising children of their own. After graduating from the University of Waterloo, Maninder built a successful customs brokerage business, and he is also the founder of The Kindness Movement Charity, which assists underprivileged school children and the less fortunate in India and here in Canada.

 

3. Ruby Sahota (Brampton North-Caledon):

Ruby Sahota is a mother, lawyer, and devoted community leader with a proven record of community service, who is dedicated to encouraging more women and young people to get involved in their community. She was elected as Member of Parliament for Brampton North in 2015. Raised in Brampton as the daughter of working-class immigrants, Ruby has seen firsthand the opportunities and challenges that middle class families face every day. An experienced attorney, Ruby has practiced in the areas of criminal law, litigation, and dispute resolution in the public and private sectors, handling a wide range of complex commercial litigation files at the national and international level. She has also served with the Organization for Women in International Trade, UNICEF, and Amnesty International. Ruby holds a combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Peace Studies from McMaster University, and a J.D. with a concentration in Litigation from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she was awarded the Blue Book Award in Immigration Law.

 

4. Sonia Sidhu (Brampton South):

Sonia Sidhu is the Member of Parliament for Brampton South. She was first elected on October 19, 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021. Sonia has worked hard for Brampton and for all Canadians, improving public safety, securing investments in infrastructure, and supporting economic growth and job creation. She distinguishes herself in Parliament as someone who is focused on health care and advocating for women. Before politics, she worked in the healthcare field for nearly two decades, a record that has allowed her to champion improvements to our healthcare system. As a Member of Parliament, she has helped to shape policy on diabetes, mental health, and dental care, so all Canadians get the care they deserve. She has also brought the voices of Brampton to Ottawa to combat domestic violence, empower women and help bring affordable childcare to Canadians. Together with her husband, twin daughters and son, Sonia is proud to live in Brampton South.

 

5. Shafqat Ali (Brampton-Chinguacousy Park):

Shafqat Ali was honoured to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre in 2021. As an entrepreneur, devoted husband, and proud father of three, Shafqat’s journey reflects the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. From his humble beginnings to becoming a successful immigrant entrepreneur, Shafqat understands firsthand the challenges that many Canadians face. This experience drives his commitment to ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all Canadians. For nearly two decades, Shafqat has been a dedicated advocate for our community. He has volunteered with youth sports programs, organized cultural festivals, and spearheaded fundraising efforts for local hospitals, food banks, and numerous other charitable organizations. One of his proudest accomplishments was leading the successful campaign to establish the cricket pitch on White Clover Way in Mississauga, a project that continues to serve the community.

 

6. Anita Anand (Oakville East):

Anita Anand was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019 and was re-elected in 2021. She served most recently as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and has previously served as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of National Defence, and Minister of Public Services and Procurement. As Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Anita led contract negotiations to secure vaccines, personal protective equipment, and rapid tests for Canadians during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, as Minister of National Defence, she spearheaded initiatives to tackle sexual misconduct and bring about cultural change in the Canadian Armed Forces. She also led Canada’s efforts to provide military aid and personnel to train Ukrainian soldiers following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. As President of the Treasury Board, Anita spearheaded a government-wide spending review and worked to reduce red tape for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Her time at Transport Canada yielded Canada’s first-ever high-speed rail project and historic progress in eliminating interprovincial trade barriers. In her latest portfolio, Anita has been focused intently on protecting Canadian workers and industries in the face of President Trump’s unjustified trade war. Anita is a scholar, lawyer, researcher, and mother of four children. Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, she moved to Ontario in 1985. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994. Anita and her husband, John, raised their four children in Oakville. She is a devoted leader with a proven record of service. In her Oakville community, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Lighthouse Foundation for Grieving Children, Oakville Hospital Foundation, and Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc.

 

7. Bardish Chagger (Waterloo):

Bardish Chagger is the first woman to serve as Member of Parliament for the riding of Waterloo. She became involved in politics at the age of 13 when she volunteered alongside her father in the 1993 federal campaign, and has been involved in politics and her community ever since, including working for former Kitchener-Waterloo MP, the Honourable Andrew Telegdi. Bardish was elected in October 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021. She has served in cabinet as Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth. Prior to being elected MP for Waterloo, Bardish worked at the Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre, a non-profit registered charity, supporting newcomers to Canada as they transition to full participation in our community’s life. As the Special Projects Coordinator, Bardish planned the annual KW Multicultural Festival at Victoria Park, bringing together community, including cultural and business groups, in the Waterloo Region. Bardish also worked with local partners to bring the Global Skills Conference to the Waterloo Region, to connect Internationally-Trained Professionals with relevant information including credential, regulatory, and professional bodies, and meaningful employment opportunities.

 

8. Iqwinder Singh Gaheer (Mississauga-Malton):

Iqwinder Gaheer was elected as Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Malton in 2021. He is a son, brother, and lawyer who is passionate about making Peel a better place. Iqwinder has lived in Peel since he and his family immigrated to Canada in 1999. Twenty years ago, Iqwinder’s father, a plumber by trade, started the family’s business in the bath furniture industry in Mississauga-Malton; the business still proudly calls this riding home. Iqwinder received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2019. He also graduated in 2015 from the Schulich School of Business, York University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration. After his call to the New York Bar in 2020, Iqwinder worked as a lawyer engaged in commercial litigation in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. During law school, he worked at the Massachusetts State Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts Superior Court. Passionate about the rights of disparate groups, in his final year of law school, Iqwinder was the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Human Rights Journal. Iqwinder fundamentally believes in the Canadian values of acceptance and opportunity. When his father first came to Canada in 1992, these values were all he had, and all he needed. Iqwinder is determined to further those values, to make sure the young people and families of Mississauga-Malton can stay true to who they are and have a real and fair shot at success.

 

9. Iqra Khalid (Mississauga-Erin Mills):

A lawyer, public servant, immigrant, and long-time resident of Erin Mills, Iqra Khalid serves the diverse needs of residents in her riding. Born in Pakistan, Iqra moved to Canada with her family at a young age and grew up in Erin Mills. She studied criminology at York University and moved on to complete her Juris Doctorate at the University of Michigan. While attending high school and completing her bachelor’s degree, Iqra made time to work and support her family’s small business. Completing her law degree at the University of Michigan, Iqra returned home to Mississauga where she went on to work for the City of Mississauga’s legal department and continue serving her community. Iqra has served as Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Erin Mills since 2015. She is a strong advocate for women’s issues and a steadfast ally in the cause of human rights. Iqra has served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, as a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, and as Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics. Iqra knows that effective leadership requires understanding the needs of her constituents. That is why Iqra is actively engaged with the ideas and concerns facing the residents of Mississauga–Erin Mills. She hosts regular town halls and seminars to take feedback from her constituents and to inform them on the policies and programs that affect them. Iqra has also established the Mississauga Erin Mills Women’s Council and Youth Council in an effort to build leadership from the grassroots up.

 

10. Gary Anandasangaree (Scarborough-Rouge Park):

Gary Anandasangaree has represented the riding of Scarborough − Rouge Park since 2014. He grew up in Malvern and Highland Creek where he ran a successful law practice, and has volunteered with many organizations in Scarborough. Gary is an internationally recognized human rights lawyer, having represented Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada at the United Nations Human Rights Council. He is a passionate defender of the right to education, having assisted hundreds of students with disciplinary proceedings at the school board and post secondary level. As Member of Parliament and a federal cabinet Minister, Gary helped to pass the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (C15), An Act Respecting Indigenous Languages (C91), and the repeal of Mandatory Minimum Penalties (C5). In 2019, he helped develop Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. Gary’s local accomplishments include the expansion and protection of the Rouge National Urban Park, support for local trails and ravines, expanding affordable housing in the area and supporting the Scarborough Subway Extension with federal investments of 2.26 Billion dollars for the project. Gary came to Canada 40 years ago this year as a refugee, and was raised by his mother. He is a firm believer in the international rules-based order, human rights, refugee rights, and the need for reconciliation with Canada’s indigenous peoples. Gary is married to Harini, and they have two daughters, Bairavi and Sahanah.

 

11. Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre):

Elected in 2021, Yasir Naqvi is the Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, a diverse and urban community in the heart of the Nation’s Capital. Yasir is a strong advocate to build more homes, deliver better healthcare, provide affordable childcare, and create good jobs. He is a proud Canadian, always standing up for our country. Yasir’s passion for his community resulted in him being first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa Centre in October 2007 in which he served until 2018. During this time, he served as the Attorney General of Ontario, Government House Leader, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and Minister of Labour. Through this work he raised the minimum wage, brought forward new protections for vulnerable workers, banned race-based carding in Ontario, and modernized our court system. Yasir is a lawyer, and was the CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, Canada’s leading voice on citizenship and inclusion. He has also served on the boards of many community organizations such as OrKidstra, United Way East Ontario and the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership. Yasir is the proud father of Rafi and Elliana.

 

12. Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East):

Salma Zahid was elected as the Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021. She is a committed champion for gender equality and a strong voice for the diverse families of Scarborough. In Ottawa, Salma most recently served as chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration and was a member of the Special Committee on Afghanistan. On committee, Salma has worked to ensure the voices of racialized Canadians and visible minority women are heard and has advocated for improved customer service within the immigration system. Salma has also worked to raise awareness of the oppression of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar and other oppressed persons around the world. Her private members motion M-155, designating June as Filipino Heritage Month across Canada, was unanimously passed by the House of Commons. In Scarborough, Salma has worked to bring people of different communities together through initiatives such as the Scarborough Centre Multifaith Council. She firmly believes that what we have in common as Canadians is far stronger than what sets us apart. Before entering politics, Salma was a community organizer working to support women, families and youth, and served the public in several positions with the Government of Ontario. A recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal for Meritorious Community Service, Salma holds a Masters in Educational Management and Administration from the University of London’s Institute of Education, and an MBA from Quaid e Azam University in Pakistan. Salma, her husband Salman, and their sons Umaid and Usman are proud and long-time residents of Scarborough.

 

13. Aslam Rana (Hamilton Centre):

Aslam Rana is a devoted community leader with a proven record of community service. He has been involved in the Liberal Party of Canada for the last fifteen years. He is a leader, a proud father of five, and a passionate advocate for the people of Hamilton Centre. Since immigrating to Canada in 2003, Rana has worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for his family while actively contributing to his community. With a master’s degree in civil (transportation) engineering from TMU and being a professional engineer, he has brought his technical expertise to Canada’s infrastructure sector, focusing on sustainable development and innovative solutions. His professional experience has taught him the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and building strong, resilient communities—qualities that he carries into his community work and political involvement. Rana lives in Mississauga, but will be moving to Hamilton.

 

 

Conservatives:

 

1. Harb Gill (Windsor West):

With nearly three decades of experience as a police officer in both Toronto and LaSalle, he spent his career serving and protecting our community. He holds a double Honours Degree in Criminology and Sociology, along with a background as a Civil Engineer. This unique combination of education and real-world experience has given him the skills to tackle complex issues and find solutions that work for people, he says. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, he says he understands the immense challenges facing hard-working Canadians.

 

2. Amarjeet Gill (Brampton West):

A proud resident of Brampton for over twenty years, Amarjeet, along with his wife Amandeep and their Ontario-born son Rajvir, has made the city his home since coming from India in 1998. His journey is deeply rooted in a family legacy of service—his grandfather and father both served in the Armed Forces during World War I and World War II respectively, protecting the freedoms we cherish today. Raised with a commitment to community and service, Amarjeet pursued higher education in Engineering, Political Science, and an MBA, which provided him with a unique understanding of the synergy between the private and public sectors. This academic foundation was further enriched by his diverse professional experiences—from quality assurance in the automotive, industrial, and aerospace sectors to a distinguished tenure as an Adjudicator at Tribunals Ontario. He also successfully operates a thriving appraisal company specializing in residential and commercial real estate, complemented by his active role as a real estate salesperson. Drawing on these experiences, Amarjeet is dedicated to advancing a vision of Canada that features leading healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He champions policies designed to create jobs, reduce crime and reduce tax and regulatory burdens for the benefit of youth, seniors, and families alike. His commitment to public service is evident in his active participation in federal and provincial Conservative campaigns, his previous candidacies for the Ontario PC Party in the 2011 and 2014 general elections, and his leadership roles within electoral district associations.

 

3. Parm Gill (Milton East-Halton Hills South):

Parm’s extensive experience in public office, both federally as MP and provincially as an MPP, demonstrates his commitment to serving his constituents diligently. Parm was appointed by the Prime Minister as Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade and Veterans Affairs, coupled with his appointment to key standing committees in the House of Commons such as Public Safety and National Defence which showcase his expertise and knowledge of various policy areas. In 2018, Parm was elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton. While serving as an MPP, Parm was appointed as Ontario’s first Minister of Red Tape Reduction, where he focused on making it easier and cost effective to start, build and scale a business in Ontario. Prior to that, he served as Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice. Parm’s background in family businesses, along with an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, enriches his understanding of both public service and private sector challenges. He currently resides in Milton with his wife and three children.

 

4. Arpan Khanna (Oxford):

Arpan Khanna won a second term as Member of Parliament for Oxford. He lives in East Zorra-Tavistock with his wife Sim and his sons Arvin and Ayvan. Prior to being elected, Arpan was a practicing lawyer and small business owner. He is a member of the Oxford Fish and Game Club, is involved with local community fundraisers and food drives and is a volunteer with Global Medic. Arpan is a licensed firearms owner and in his spare time enjoys recreational sport shooting at the local range.