Muslim political engagement hits new heights amid record civic mobilization, principled endorsements, and a campaign shaped by Palestine solidarity
Ottawa, Canada: Canada’s 2025 federal election has marked a historic breakthrough for Muslim representation, with 15 Muslim Members of Parliament elected to the House of Commons, up from 11 in the previous legislature, reports Muslim Network TV.
Experts say, this unprecedented increase underscores the growing political clout of Muslim Canadians, particularly in urban centres like the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where Muslims now make up 12–14% of the population.
While 15 Muslim candidates succeeded to get into the Parliament, 21 several others came remarkably close – finishing second with strong voter support.
The campaign trail was deeply influenced by global events – chief among them, Israel’s war in Palestine. The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine dominated voter concerns in mosques, community halls, and social media debates.
The issue of Palestine became a moral barometer for many, with candidates’ positions on Gaza, ceasefire demands, and humanitarian aid under close scrutiny.
In response, more than 100 Muslim organisations from coast to coast rallied around a shared mandate: to vote with a conscience rooted in justice, dignity, and equity.
The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) led the way with its MuslimsVote.ca campaign, endorsing 45 candidates based on their commitment to human rights, civil liberties, and foreign policy values.
Simultaneously, over 300 candidates signed onto the “Vote Palestine” platform, calling for a bolder Canadian stance on Palestinian rights. Several of the winning MPs backed this initiative, helping translate grassroots mobilisation into historic electoral gains.
The election results have led to a diverse and more representative Parliament, especially for communities often sidelined in national politics.
The newly elected 15 Muslim MPs reflect Canada’s pluralism – spanning backgrounds from Lebanon, Pakistan, Iran, Somalia, Türkiye, and more.
The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, secured 168 seats, forming a minority government, just four seats short of a majority. The Conservatives, under Pierre Poilievre, won 144 seats – though Poilievre himself lost his seat in Carleton, Ontario. The Bloc Québécois gained 23 seats, the NDP collapsed to just 5, and the Green Party retained 1.
This election also reflected demographic change. Parliament now includes 343 seats, up from 338, following a redistribution based on the 2021 census – a move that empowered many urban ridings with large immigrant and Muslim populations.
Profiles of 15 Muslim MPs elected in 2025
- Abdelhaq Sari (Liberal – Bourassa, Quebec): City councillor and advocate for public safety and orphan welfare, Sari won with 58.5% of the vote.
- Fayçal El-Khoury (Liberal – Laval – Les Îles, Quebec): A Canadian-Lebanese engineer and veteran MP, El-Khoury was re-elected with 49.6%.
- Sameer Zuberi (Liberal – Pierrefonds—Dollard, Quebec): Human rights advocate and MP since 2019, Zuberi won re-election with nearly 60% of the vote.
- Shafqat Ali (Liberal – Brampton—Chinguacousy Park, Ontario): A businessman and community volunteer, Ali focused on healthcare and affordability. He won with 48.7%.
- Aslam Rana (Liberal – Hamilton Centre, Ontario): A Pakistani-Canadian civil engineer committed to sustainable infrastructure and small business support.
- Fares Al Soud (Liberal – Mississauga Centre, Ontario): A newcomer to Parliament, Al Soud defeated a Conservative opponent with 53.7%.
- Iqra Khalid (Liberal – Mississauga – Erin Mills, Ontario): A human rights leader, Khalid championed motions against Islamophobia and the Rohingya genocide.
- Sima Acan (Liberal – Oakville West, Ontario): The first Turkish-Canadian MP in Parliament, Acan is a trailblazer for her community.
- Yasir Naqvi (Liberal – Ottawa Centre, Ontario): Former Ontario Attorney General and federal MP focused on justice reform and urban revitalisation.
- Salma Zahid (Liberal – Scarborough Centre – Don Valley East, Ontario): Cancer survivor and outspoken MP on human rights issues including support for South Africa’s case on Gaza.
- Karim Bardeesy (Liberal – Taiaiako’n – Parkdale – High Park, Ontario): A former journalist and policy advisor, Bardeesy was executive director of The Dais, a Toronto Metropolitan University public policy think tank working on education and democracy. He won with nearly 55.54% of the vote.
- Ali Ehsassi (Liberal – Willowdale, Ontario): Iranian-Canadian MP focused on global justice, genocide prevention, and Iranian regime accountability.
- Ahmed Hussen (Liberal – York South – Weston – Etobicoke, Ontario): Somali-Canadian MP and former immigration minister with a legacy of humanitarian advocacy.
- Ziad Aboultaif (Conservative – Edmonton Manning, Alberta): Business owner and Conservative MP known for advocating fiscal responsibility and community development.
- Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal – Vancouver Granville, British Columbia): Harvard-educated MP with experience in public policy, digital transformation, and international affairs.
The profiles of 21 Muslim candidates who came remarkably close – finishing second with strong voter support, can be seen here.
