Ruby Dhalla, a Canadian politician of Indian descent, has entered the contest to lead the Liberal Party of Canada, with the prospect of becoming the country’s next Prime Minister. If elected, former MP Ruby Dhalla will make history as Canada’s first woman of colour to hold the position of Prime Minister.
Taking to social media, Ruby Dhalla posted three days ago, “The Comeback Begins Now. 💥 I will advocate for Canadians and fight for Canada as the Next Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Party.”
Ruby Dhalla’s Ascension to Notability
Ruby Dhalla first gained media attention at the young age of 10 when she wrote a letter to then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, sharing her views on Operation Blue Star and the turmoil in Punjab. Indira Gandhi personally replied to young Dhalla and mentioned her letter during a press conference.
She served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Brampton-Springdale riding from 2004 to 2011. Dhalla made history by being the first woman of Indian origin to be elected to Canada’s Parliament for three consecutive terms.
On Immigration in Canada
Ruby Dhalla credited Pierre Trudeau, the father of Justin Trudeau, for opening Canada’s doors to immigrants in the 1970s. Recently, she took a strong stance on illegal immigration, vowing deportation if she is elected.
On the social media platform X, Ruby Dhalla declared, “As Prime Minister, I will deport illegal immigrants and crack down on human traffickers. That’s my commitment to you.”
On India-Canada Relations
Ruby Dhalla told NDTV, “All our business people and workers in Canada should be given an opportunity to collaborate with other countries as well.”
In her conversation with the media outlet, Dhalla emphasized the necessity of strengthening bilateral relations, given the significant Indian diaspora in Canada. She believes that Canada should seek partnerships with other nations, including India, to counterbalance the effects of US tariffs.
Ruby Dhalla’s Competitors in the PM Race
She faces strong rivals, including Mark Carney, the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, along with Chrystia Freeland, the former minister of finance and deputy prime minister, as well as Chandra Arya.
The race will culminate with the announcement of the next leader of the Liberal Party and potentially Canada’s next prime minister on March 9.
