Gujaratis Enter Canadian Electoral Scene While Punjabis Aim for Re-Election
The Rising Influence of Gujaratis in Canadian Politics
As Canada prepares for its federal elections later this month, a new dynamic is emerging in the political landscape. While Punjabis have long held a significant presence, Gujaratis are now stepping into the political arena, reflecting the evolving demographics of Indian-origin communities in Canada.
A Diverse Indian Diaspora
The Indian community in Canada is both vibrant and diverse, including groups such as Punjabis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, and Malayalis. Many within this diaspora are students or highly-skilled professionals, but Gujaratis and Punjabis often bring a strong business acumen. For over two decades, Punjabis have been the primary Indian group involved in politics. However, by 2025, Gujaratis are expected to make a notable debut. Cities like Brampton in Ontario and Calgary in Alberta, which have large Indian-Canadian populations, are now battlegrounds for four Gujarati-origin candidates vying for parliamentary seats.
Political Debut of Gujaratis
Despite Punjabis having a head start in terms of numbers, representation, and political history—including MPs and even Cabinet ministers—Gujaratis have quietly built a foundation through community service and an entrepreneurial mindset. This groundwork has positioned them to make significant strides in social leadership and now, politics.
Four Gujarati-origin candidates—Jayesh Brahmbhatt, Sunjiv Raval, Ashok Patel, and Minesh Patel—are contesting in Canada’s 45th federal election, scheduled for April 28, 2025. These first-generation immigrants are set to challenge the status quo, bringing their unique perspectives to the political table.
Key Contestants: A Closer Look
Jayesh Brahmbhatt
Jayesh Brahmbhatt, contesting from Brampton Chinguacousy Park, moved to Canada in 2001. A civil engineer turned successful real estate developer, Brahmbhatt is running under the People’s Party banner. He emphasizes values such as freedom, responsibility, fairness, and respect, which he believes resonate with many Canadians seeking change.
Sunjiv Raval
Sunjiv Raval, running from Calgary Midnapore under the Liberal Party of Canada, is a seasoned businessman with a chain of retail stores. Raval has been actively involved in community service and advocates for issues like affordable housing, better infrastructure, and a balanced approach to immigration.
Ashok Patel and Minesh Patel
Ashok Patel and Minesh Patel, both independent candidates, are running from Edmonton Sherwood and Calgary Skyview, respectively. Coming from business backgrounds, they aim to bring their expertise to the legislative process.
The Brief Stint of Don Patel
The Conservative Party briefly considered a fifth Gujarati candidate, Don Patel, a successful realtor from Gujarat’s Anand, for a seat in Etobicoke North. However, he did not make the final list of candidates.
‘Not a Surprise’: The Shift in Representation
The rise of Gujaratis in Canadian politics marks a significant shift in representation. Rather than replacing Punjabis, Gujaratis are expanding the political influence of the Indian community, offering Canadian voters more diverse choices. This diversity is expected to shape policy in culturally enriching ways.
Hemant Shah, Director of International Trade at Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), noted that this development is not surprising. With over 100,000 Gujaratis in Canada, mostly concentrated in cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver, their political involvement was inevitable. Shah emphasizes that this election sees a record number of Gujarati-origin candidates, a milestone for the community’s representation.
The Known Turf: Punjabi Influence
Punjabi representation in Canadian politics has been prominent for years, with figures like Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party and the first Sikh to lead a Canadian party, Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, and Kamal Khera, Minister of Health, among others, playing key roles.
As the elections approach, the addition of Gujaratis to the political landscape not only enriches the diversity but also strengthens the Indian community’s voice in Canadian politics. This evolving narrative of representation promises to bring fresh perspectives and policies that reflect the multifaceted nature of Canada’s immigrant population.