Ruby Dhalla, the Indian-origin three-time former MP, has officially entered the race to lead the Liberal Party in Canada and, potentially, to become the country’s first prime minister of colour succeeding Justin Trudeau. Although a a Liberal Party member, Dhalla, 50, does not think Canada wants a "Trudeau 2.0." In a strong-worded poll promise, Dhalla vowed to clampdown on illegal immigrants and promised to deport them. "There are over half a million illegal immigrants in Canada. This is unacceptable. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I know first hand that immigrants have helped build our great country," Dhalla said while acknowledging her past. Her mother is a Punjabi immigrant. She continued in a video shared on X: "We must clampdown on human trafficking and those that are here illegally. As your prime minister, I promise I will deport every illegal immigrant in Canada. Canada's comeback starts now." As Prime Minister, I will deport illegal immigrants and clamp down on human traffickers. That’s my promise to you. En tant que Premiére ministre, je vais expulser les immigrants illégaux et sévir contre les trafiquants d’êtres humains. C’est ma promesse envers vous. pic.twitter.com/T69pISQlXS — Ruby Dhalla (@DhallaRuby) January 28, 2025 In another post, she did not mince her words for outgoing PM Trudeau: "Canadians don’t want Trudeau 2.0. If we’re going to beat the Conservatives, we need real change." Canadians don’t want Trudeau 2.0. If we’re going to beat the Conservatives, we need real change #RubyforPM pic.twitter.com/5iWi3N4iM7 — Ruby Dhalla (@DhallaRuby) January 28, 2025 Dhalla, who was not associated with the Trudeau government, believes that while some might consider her to be an outsider, others may think of her as "a breath of fresh air" in her campaign page. She pitched herself for the top job saying: “I am a tireless worker, a fearless advocate and deeply passionate. I will not let you down as your leader or as your Prime Minister.” Ruby Dhalla has previously served as the first Indian-origin woman MP in Canada, representing Brampton-Springdale from 2004 to 2011. Dhalla and British Columbia Conservative MP Nina Grewal were the first Sikh women to serve in the House of Commons in Canada.
