Elham Asaad Buaras
Canada’s 2025 Federal election has marked a historic moment for Muslim representation in Parliament, with 12 MPs elected, an increase from 10 in the previous legislature. This milestone reflects the growing political influence of Muslim Canadians, particularly in urban areas like the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where Muslims now make up 12–14% of the population.
The election was significantly shaped by global events, most notably the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. The issue of Palestine became a central topic of conversation in mosques, community halls, and social media debates, with candidates’ positions on Gaza, ceasefire demands, and humanitarian aid receiving intense scrutiny. In response, over 100 Muslim organisations across Canada rallied to urge voters to prioritize justice, dignity, and equity at the ballot box.
The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) played a pivotal role, endorsing 45 candidates through its MuslimsVote.ca campaign, which focused on human rights and civil liberties. Additionally, over 300 candidates joined the “Vote Palestine” platform, advocating for a stronger Canadian stance on Palestinian rights. Several of the newly elected MPs supported this initiative, helping translate grassroots activism into political success.
Among the winners, Abdelhaq Sari, a city councillor and advocate for public safety and orphan welfare, triumphed in Bourassa, Quebec, securing 58.5% of the vote. Sameer Zuberi, a human rights advocate and the MP since 2019, won re-election in Pierrefonds—Dollard, Quebec, with nearly 60% of the vote. Shafqat Ali, a businessman and community volunteer focused on healthcare and affordability, was elected in Brampton—Chinguacousy Park, Ontario, with 48.7% of the vote. Aslam Rana, a Pakistani Canadian civil engineer committed to sustainable infrastructure and small business support, triumphed in Hamilton Centre, Ontario, while Fares Al Soud, a newcomer to Parliament, defeated his Conservative opponent with 53.7% in Mississauga Centre, Ontario.
In Mississauga—Erin Mills, Iqra Khalid, a leading human rights advocate known for her work on Islamophobia and the Rohingya genocide, was re-elected as an MP. Sima Acan made history as the first Turkish Canadian MP elected in Oakville West, Ontario. Yasir Naqvi, a former Ontario Attorney General and advocate for justice reform, was re-elected in Ottawa Centre, while Salma Zahid, a cancer survivor and outspoken MP on human rights issues, won in Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East, Ontario and Ali Ehsassi, an Iranian Canadian MP focused on global justice and genocide prevention, secured a win in Willowdale, Ontario.
Ahmed Hussen, a Somali Canadian and former immigration minister renowned for his humanitarian advocacy, was re-elected in York South—Weston—Etobicoke, Ontario. Taleeb Noormohamed, a Harvard-educated MP with experience in public policy and international affairs, triumphed in Vancouver Granville, British Columbia.
The newly elected Muslim MPs come from diverse backgrounds, including Lebanon, Pakistan, Iran, Somalia, and Turkey, reflecting Canada’s pluralistic society. These MPs, all elected under the Liberal Party banner, will bring diverse perspectives to Parliament, especially on issues impacting immigrant and Muslim communities.
The election results saw the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, secure 168 seats, forming a minority government, while the Conservatives won 144 seats. Notably, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre lost his seat. The Bloc Québécois secured 23 seats, and the NDP’s presence dwindled to just five.
In addition to this, the number of seats in Parliament increased to 343, up from 338, following a redistribution based on the 2021 census. This shift empowered urban ridings with large immigrant populations.
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Correction Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly included Karim Bardeesy among the list of Muslim MPs. While Mr. Bardeesy is of partial Egyptian descent, he identifies as Christian. The article has been updated accordingly to reflect that 12 Muslim MPs were elected, not 13.
