Ruby Dhalla, a well-known Indian-Canadian politician, is making history run in her direction by vying for the Liberal Party leadership, potentially catapulting her as Canada’s first woman of color to take the office of Prime Minister. The candidacy of Dhalla indicates a new era of leadership-the candidate’s commitment to diversity and fundamental democratic interests, in addressing Canada’s most pertinent issues.
A Vision for Canada’s Future
A self-made businesswoman, doctor, and three-time Member of Parliament, Dhalla brings a wealth of experience to the table. She believes that her background uniquely positions her to lead Canada through its current challenges. Key issues she identifies include the rising cost of housing, increasing crime rates, inflation, and the looming threat of US tariffs.
Dhalla highlighted the potential disastrous effects of US tariffs on Canada’s economy and workers stating, “Given the tariff threats that Canada is facing, it will have a big impact on the Canadian workers as well as the Canadian economy.” Those are important, pressing concerns of her.
Born in Winnipeg to immigrant parents, Dhalla’s personal story presents the promise of the Canadian dream. Rising from humble beginnings to top positions, she did that by sheer hard work and determination. Looking back at her journey, Dhalla credits it to Canada’s openness to immigration, thanks to former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s policies in the 1970s.
My mother came to Canada in 1972 and I have the opportunity to, through her wishes, through a lot of hard work, drive, and determination, but also because of the great country that Canada is, to fulfill a Canadian dream,” she said.
Strengthening India-Canada Relations
She dwells on the strengthening of relations between Canada and India, given the large diaspora of Indians settled in Canada. She emphasizes the diversification of Canada’s economic partners away from its traditional hegemony with the United States.
“Jitne bhi humare Canada main business log hain, workers hain, unko bhi ek opportunity milni chahiye ki wo baki deshon ke saath kaam kar sake,” Dhalla said in Hindi while advocating for Canadian workers and businesses to expand their collaborations with other nations, particularly India.
Rebuilding the Liberal Party and Canada
Ruby Dhalla has been part of the Liberal Party since she was 14 years old and truly believes in reinvigorating the party and the nation. “Canada’s comeback starts now,” is one of Dhalla’s slogans that ensures the change in the country. As a reaction to allegations thrown by Pierre Poilievre, which included criticism of the Liberal Party’s role in governing the economy and society, Dhalla has also come up with ways to curb crime as well as house, and food prices.
Her leadership vision includes fostering a competitive economy that supports businesses, entrepreneurs, and youth. Dhalla aims to restore Canada’s global standing by building strong international relationships, ensuring that Canada remains a respected player on the world stage.
A Path to Global Partnerships
With international experience at her beck and call, Dhalla wants to get Canada back to where it is respected internationally. She thinks building a solid relationship with other countries would require making the best of global networks in the interests of economic growth and international collaboration.
“It’s important that we bring Canada back to the country that was very respected on the world stage, that we work with other countries to ensure that we continue to build great partnerships and great relationships,” she said.
As Ruby Dhalla advances her campaign, her vision for Canada’s future is evident, a diverse, economically competitive, and interconnected nation led by a woman of color breaking ground in Canadian politics.
