BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: The Punjabi diaspora has made a significant mark on Canadian politics, with 15 Punjabi-origin candidates reportedly winning seats in British Columbia’s October 24, 2026, provincial election as the Conservative Party of British Columbia prepares to form a majority government.
According to preliminary media reports, 12 of the 15 winners belong to the Conservatives, while three were elected from the New Democratic Party (NDP). The Conservatives emerged ahead in 64 of the 93 seats, compared with 27 for the NDP and two for the Green Party. The results remain subject to the final count.
The reported Punjabi-origin Conservative winners are Mandeep Singh Dhaliwal, Dr. Harjit Taliwal, Jessy Sahota, Garry Thind, Zeeshan Wahla, Harman Bhangu, Jody Toor, Steve Kooner, Garry Purewal, Monica Mohan, Pavneet Singh and Deep Sandhu.
The three reported NDP winners are Raj Chouhan, Niki Sharma and Rohini “Reah” Arora. Their victories demonstrate that Punjabi-origin representation extends across party lines and that members of the community are participating in different political traditions in Canada.
Surrey, home to one of the largest Punjabi communities outside India, was a major centre of the Conservative breakthrough. Punjabi-origin candidates also secured victories in constituencies across Langley, Richmond, Delta, Kelowna and Vancouver, reflecting the community’s growing participation in public affairs throughout British Columbia.
The North American Punjabi diaspora has built its presence in Canada through generations of hard work, entrepreneurship, education, community service and civic participation. The election results highlight the opportunities available to Canadians of Punjabi heritage to enter elected office and contribute to decisions affecting healthcare, housing, education, employment, public safety and economic development.
NSPD Congratulates the Winners
NSPD extends its warm congratulations to all 15 elected Punjabi-origin candidates and wishes them success in their new responsibilities. Their election is an important moment for the wider Punjabi community and for the younger generation looking towards public service and political leadership.
NSPD also hopes that the elected representatives will work beyond party affiliations to address the concerns of their constituents, strengthen social harmony, promote equal opportunities and ensure that the voices of immigrant families and multicultural communities are heard in provincial decision-making.
The real significance of electoral representation lies not only in the number of seats won, but also in the service, accountability and positive contribution that elected representatives bring to the public. The newly elected MLAs now have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership through constructive policies, accessible public services and responsible governance.
NSPD congratulates all the winners and wishes them a successful term in the service of the people of British Columbia and Canada.