Who is Ruby Dhalla, Indian-origin ex-MP in race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada PM

Dhalla, 50, 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.

Thank you. #LetsMakeHistory pic.twitter.com/s35GuD6kHp

— Ruby Dhalla (@DhallaRuby) January 27, 2025

The former MP outlined her vision if she comes to power. “We need to renew, rebuild, re-engage and reconnect with Canadians from all walks of life and all backgrounds. The Liberal Party needs a leader who is dedicated to taking action and achieving results,” her campaign page says.

Ruby Dhalla has already made a key campaign promise. “As Prime Minister, I will deport illegal immigrants and clamp down on human traffickers,” she said in an X post on Monday.

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

She also stated in her campaign message that she is not entering the PM race because she needs a job.

“I am not entering the race to lead the Liberal Party because I need a job – but because I believe that we need to return our Party back into the hands of members across the country who believe in the future of our Party and the promise of our country. We need to take our Party back to the center with policies, programs and solutions that will allow ordinary Canadians to succeed, flourish and live the Canadian dream,” Dhalla’s campaign page says.

On not having any involvement with outgoing PM Justin Trudeau’s government, Dhalla says she may be considered as an outsider but that is not necessarily a bad thing. On X, she wrote on Tuesday: “Canadians don’t want Trudeau 2.0.”

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

“As I have not been involved with the current Trudeau administration some will consider me an outsider. To others, I will be considered a breath of fresh air. However, I am sure all of you agree that it is time for change. And that time is now,” her campaign page reads.

She pitched herself for the top job with a closing note: “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.”

About Ruby Dhalla

Born in Winnipeg and raised by a single mother who was an immigrant from Punjab, Dhalla became a Doctor of Chiropractic before she transitioned into politics during the tenure of former prime minister Paul Martin.

At age 10, Dhalla wrote to former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi expressing her thoughts on Operation Blue Star and the unrest in Punjab in 1984. Gandhi had responded to her letter personally.

Dhalla also took part in the India Canada beauty pageant in 1993 where she was the runner-up before briefly venturing into films. She starred in “Kyon? Kis Liye?”, a Hindi movie shot in Canada before deep-diving into politics at 21.

After her tenure as an MP ended in 2011, Dhalla ventured into the hospitality industry and was recognised as the Women Hotelier of the Year, becoming the first Canadian to receive the honour.

Ruby Dhalla’s opponents

Dhalla faces formidable opponents in the PM race. Six Liberal Party candidates have been approved by the party to run in the race to succeed Trudeau.

Her opponents include former central banker Mark Carney, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste, and former government House leader Karina Gould.

The winner of the Liberal leadership race, set to be announced on March 9, 2025, will become Canada’s next prime minister if the Liberal Party secures victory in the federal election.