Historic wins and strong showings mark a new chapter for Muslim political engagement across Canada
OTTAWA, Canada (MNTV) —At least 15 Muslim candidates were elected to Canadian Parliament in the recently concluded federal elections, while 21 others came close as runner-ups in highly competitive races. Their
diverse backgrounds – spanning law, engineering, activism, health sciences, and entrepreneurship – reflect the growing vibrancy and inclusivity of Canadian politics.
Here’s a detailed look at the Muslim candidates who made history as winners, as well as those who narrowly missed but left a strong mark on the national stage.
Muslim winners in Canadian Parliament
Abdelhaq Sari (Liberal) – Quebec – Bourassa (20,921 votes, 58.5%)
Abdelhaq Sari, a city councillor for Marie-Clarac and vice-chair of the Commission de la sécurité publique, is deeply committed to improving the lives of Bourassa residents. Known for his grassroots approach, he prioritizes close relationships with families, merchants, and local organizations to address community concerns. Beyond politics, Sari has been active in the non-profit sector, serving as vice-president of Soleil des Orphelins, an organization that supports orphans in Africa and Canada. He is also known for supporting pandemic relief efforts.
Fayçal El-Khoury (Liberal) – Quebec – Laval—Les Îles (27,978 votes, 49.6%)
Fayçal El-Khoury, a Canadian-Lebanese Liberal politician, has represented Laval—Les Îles in the House of Commons since 2015. Born in Lebanon, he immigrated to Canada in 1976 and holds dual citizenship. A graduate in engineering from Concordia University, El-Khoury combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to serving his diverse community.
Sameer Zuberi (Liberal) – Quebec – Pierrefonds—Dollard
Re-elected (35,400 votes, 59.7%)
Sameer Zuberi, born in Montreal to a multicultural Scottish-Italian and Pakistani family, is a prominent Canadian politician known for championing human rights and diversity. He holds a BA in mathematics and a law degree, and has a strong track record in advocacy. In Parliament, he has served on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, chaired the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, and advanced Motion M-62, recognizing the persecution of Uyghurs. As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, Zuberi focuses on programs supporting small businesses and underrepresented groups.
Shafqat Ali (Liberal) – Ontario – Brampton—Chinguacousy Park
Re-elected (21,168 votes, 48.7%)
Shafqat Ali, the elected Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre since 2021, exemplifies perseverance and commitment. As an immigrant entrepreneur and proud father of three, he draws on his personal experiences to advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous Canada. For nearly 20 years, he has supported his community through initiatives like youth sports programs, cultural festivals, and fundraising for hospitals and food banks. Notably, he led the establishment of a cricket pitch on White Clover Way in Mississauga. In Parliament, Ali focuses on affordability, healthcare, affordable housing, and building an equitable economy.
Aslam Rana (Liberal) – Ontario – Hamilton Centre (20,254 votes, 37.3%)
Aslam Rana, a civil engineer and father of five, has been a dedicated community leader for over 15 years. Since immigrating to Canada from Pakistan in 2003, he has combined professional expertise in sustainable infrastructure with a passion for supporting middle-class families and small businesses. He is committed to creating jobs, protecting the environment, and fostering an inclusive economy in Hamilton Centre.
Fares Al Soud (Liberal) – Ontario – Mississauga Centre (29,110 votes, 53.7%)
Born in Montreal and raised in Mississauga, Fares Al Soud is a dedicated community leader with an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto Mississauga. He has actively volunteered with the UTM food bank and the Canadian Red Cross. Al Soud has served in various government roles and is committed to creating jobs, supporting small businesses, ensuring affordable housing, and strengthening healthcare.
Iqra Khalid (Liberal) – Ontario – Mississauga—Erin Mills (32,508 votes, 55.5%)
Iqra Khalid, born in Lahore, Pakistan, moved to Canada in 1998, where her family started a small business. With degrees in criminology, professional writing from York University, and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School, Khalid has combined legal expertise with public service. As Vice-Chair of the Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics Committee and a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee, she has worked on human trafficking, elder abuse, and systemic racism. Her motion recognizing the Rohingya genocide and her leadership in securing $23 million for anti-racism programs are among her notable achievements. She was named one of Chatelaine’s Women of the Year in 2017.
Sima Acan (Liberal) – Ontario – Oakville West (30,440 votes, 52.7%)
Sima Acan made history as the first Turkish-Canadian elected to the Canadian Parliament, marking a milestone for representation and diversity.
Yasir Naqvi (Liberal) – Ontario – Ottawa Centre (48,701 votes, 62.4%)
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Yasir Naqvi immigrated to Canada in 1988 after his father’s pro-democracy activism led to imprisonment. After settling in Niagara Falls, Naqvi studied at McMaster University and the University of Ottawa Law School. As Ontario’s Attorney General, he introduced the Safe Access to Abortion Services Act and modernized the court system with the Digital Justice Action Plan. In federal politics, Naqvi has focused on justice reform and emergency preparedness. He also launched the Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force and finished third in the 2023 Ontario Liberal leadership race.
Salma Zahid (Liberal) – Ontario – Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East (26,658 votes, 57.0%)
Salma Zahid, a Pakistani Canadian with advanced degrees in education and business, is a community organizer and public servant who earned the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She became the first MP to wear a hijab in the House of Commons in 2018, following her battle with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. As Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, Zahid championed marginalized groups and advocated for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in 2024.
Karim Bardeesy (Liberal) – Ontario – Taiaiako’n—Parkdale—High Park
(35,333 votes, 55.5%) [No detailed profile available.]
Ali Ehsassi (Liberal) – Ontario – Willowdale (24,896 votes, 53.2%)
Ali Ehsassi, born in Geneva to a diplomatic Iranian family, moved to Canada during the Iranian Revolution. A descendant of statesman Abdolhossein Teymourtash, Ehsassi studied law and international trade at the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall, and Georgetown University. As one of Canada’s first Iranian MPs, he chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and has been a vocal critic of Iran’s regime, calling for inquiries into election interference.
Ahmed Hussen (Liberal) – Ontario – York South—Weston—Etobicoke (24,005 votes, 55.2%)
Ahmed Hussen, the first Somali-Canadian MP and Cabinet Minister, arrived in Canada as a refugee. A lawyer and community advocate, he has served as Minister of Immigration and International Development, where he advanced immigration reforms and humanitarian initiatives.
Ziad Aboultaif (Conservative) – Alberta – Edmonton Manning (25,568 votes, 53.3%)
Born in Lebanon, Ziad Aboultaif immigrated to Canada in 1990. A successful businessman and co-owner of a furniture distribution business, he has represented Edmonton Manning since 2015, focusing on fiscal responsibility and community development.
Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal) – British Columbia – Vancouver Granville (35,187 votes, 61.9%)
Taleeb Noormohamed, born in Ottawa and raised in Vancouver, holds degrees from Princeton, Harvard, and Oxford. A public policy expert, he brings a global perspective to Canadian politics, advocating for social justice, diversity, and innovation.
Source: muslimnetwork.tv
