As Canada gears up for its 45th federal election on April 28, four first-generation Gujarati-origin immigrants are stepping into the political spotlight for the first time, hoping to secure parliamentary seats. The candidates—Jayesh Brahmbhatt, Sunjiv Raval, Ashok Patel, and Minesh Patel—are part of a growing wave of Indian-origin individuals seeking political representation in their adopted country.
Gujarati Voices Rise in Canadian Politics
Jayesh Brahmbhatt, a civil engineer-turned-real estate developer who moved from Gujarat to Canada in 2001, is contesting on a People’s Party ticket. He’s running in a bid to bring what he describes as “freedom, responsibility, fairness and respect for all” to the forefront. “I speak to a lot of people, and they seek change from this election,” Brahmbhatt shared. He believes more Indian sub-groups like Gujaratis are being recognized as politically significant. “Parties are now identifying Indians as an important community in politics, and sub-groups such as Gujaratis are making the most of this opportunity to be represented and be heard.”
Sunjiv Raval, who was born in Tanzania and has lived in Calgary for over two decades, is contesting from Calgary Midnapore on a Liberal ticket. A successful entrepreneur, he’s deeply involved in local Indian community groups. “We are fighting on issues faced by the middle class, who have been demanding better infrastructure and sports facilities, affordable housing and work opportunities for all,” he said. “The country needs immigrants, but there must be a balance. We hope to restore it with the right policies. We have a voice now.”
Ashok Patel and Minesh Patel are entering the fray as independent candidates from Edmonton Sherwood and Calgary Skyview, respectively. Both are self-made businessmen who, after establishing themselves, have turned their attention to public service.
Meanwhile, Don Patel, a well-known realtor from Anand, was initially nominated by the Conservative Party for Etobicoke North but was dropped earlier this week.
A Growing Presence on the National Stage
According to Hemant Shah, director of international trade at the Ottawa-based Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), this election marks a significant shift. “Canada is home to more than 1 lakh Gujaratis. The community is present in almost all major cities, but more so in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver,” he said. “I have been in Canada for over four decades now, and in this election, we are perhaps witnessing the highest number of candidates of Gujarati origin. Irrespective of their win, it is a significant step in ensuring representation of the community, which is the second largest after Punjabis.”
Punjabi-origin politicians also continue to make strong showings, with notable incumbents like Jagmeet Singh (leader of the New Democratic Party), Anita Anand (minister of innovation, science and industry), Kamal Khera (minister of health), and Sukh Dhaliwal (Liberal MP for Surrey-Newton) defending their seats. Bardish Chagger is once again contesting from Waterloo.
As the election nears, the rise of Gujarati-origin candidates signals a deepening of Indian community involvement in shaping Canada’s future political landscape.
