Is Canada losing its European identity? 2025 election results signal a transforming nation

Time of India

02-05-2025

This year's election reveals an unprecedented transformation in the ethnic and cultural makeup of
Canada
's political leadership, reflecting the growing influence of South Asian, Black, Jewish, Turkish, and other non-European communities. While celebrated as a milestone for multicultural representation, it also prompts debate about Canada's historical identity and evolving values.
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Punjab-origin leaders win 22 seats in Canada elections
22 Indian-origin MPs reflect deep demographic shift
A historic 22 Indian-origin candidates, who trace their ancestry to the Punjab, were elected to Canada's 45th
Parliament
, marking the highest representation of this ethnic group to date. Concentrated in key provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, these MPs represent both political veterans and a wave of first-time legislators.
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While the
Liberal Party
remains the dominant force among Punjabi candidates—thanks to its enduring support for immigration, healthcare, and multicultural inclusion—Punjabi-origin MPs also secured seats under the Conservative Party and the
NDP
, showing a shift from identity-based loyalty to broader ideological engagement.
These politicians are not only symbolic of rising South Asian influence but also shape Canada's domestic and foreign agendas—particularly in relation to India, trade with Punjab, immigration reform, and diaspora engagement.
South Asians and beyond: a broader non-European surge
The Punjabi community isn't the only group reshaping Canada's federal landscape. In a striking example of diversity, Aslam Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani descent, won in Hamilton Centre for the Liberals—ending decades of NDP control in the riding. Gurbux Saini, another
Liberal MP
, represents Fleetwood–Port Kells and brings visibility to broader Indian diaspora concerns.
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On the Conservative front, Amarjeet Gill won in Brampton West, unseating Kamal Khera. These wins signify that the growing South Asian presence in Parliament isn't politically homogenous—it spans parties and ideologies, further cementing their institutional permanence.
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Other Gujarati-origin candidates such as Jayesh Brahmbhatt, Ashok Patel, and Sunjiv Raval also participated, representing Canada's expanding Indo-Canadian political engagement, though their electoral outcomes varied.
First Turkish-Canadian MP and expanding Muslim representation
In another significant milestone, Sima Acan became the first Turkish-Canadian elected to Parliament, representing
Oakville West
for the Liberals. Her win highlights the increasing political participation of Muslim Canadians, many of whom now see Parliament as a space not only for representation but for policymaking influence.
Black Canadians continue breaking barriers
Arielle Kayabaga, born in Burundi, retained her seat in London West and now serves as both Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Democratic Institutions. Her leadership illustrates the growing role of Black Canadians in the federal cabinet, a demographic long underrepresented in high office. Kayabaga's journey from a refugee to a national leader represents the evolving face of Canadian governance.
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Jewish and Other Faith-Based Representation in Focus
Religious diversity in Parliament also increased, with Tamara Kronis, a Jewish human rights advocate, winning a seat in Nanaimo—Ladysmith as a Conservative MP. This speaks to the rise of non-Christian, non-European faith-based communities within Canada's democratic institutions.
Is the European identity fading?
Historically, Canada's national identity was closely tied to its British and French colonial roots—reflected in its governance, culture, and immigration policies. For much of the 20th century, Parliament was overwhelmingly populated by European-ancestry legislators, reinforcing a political elite steeped in Anglo-European traditions.
The 2025 election results challenge that legacy. With dozens of MPs of non-European descent now sitting in Parliament, Canada appears to be transitioning toward a pluralistic model where identity, representation, and policy are shaped by global diasporas rather than a singular colonial heritage.
This doesn't necessarily mean a complete erasure of European identity—but it does reflect a dilution of dominance in both symbolic and practical terms. European identity is no longer the default; it is now part of a much broader multicultural mosaic.
Canada's changing demographics: a growing non-European population
In tandem with these political shifts, Canada's demographic landscape is also evolving. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, approximately 52.5% of Canadians identify as having European ancestry, while 47.5% identify as having non-European origins, which includes Asian, African, Indigenous, Latin American, Caribbean, and other origins.
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This balance marks a key turning point in Canada's identity. The growing proportion of non-European Canadians has also been reflected in the nation's voting patterns, which have increasingly favored political leaders from these diverse backgrounds.
Further projections from
Statistics Canada
indicate that by 2041, the proportion of Canadians identifying as part of a visible minority (a term used to describe non-Caucasian and non-Indigenous peoples) could reach between 38.2% and 43.0% of the total population, up from 26.5% in 2021. This projection signals that Canada's shift towards a more diverse society is not a temporary trend but an ongoing demographic transformation that will continue to influence both politics and culture.
Conclusion: the new Canada
Canada's 2025 federal election may be remembered not only for who won, but for what it revealed: a nation in transformation. With the rise of MPs from Punjabi, South Asian, Black, Turkish, and Jewish backgrounds, the House of Commons now looks more like Canada itself.
While some may ask if Canada is losing its European identity, others see it as evolving beyond it—into a truly global democracy where heritage is diverse, inclusive, and reflective of a 21st-century nation. The question now isn't whether Canada is changing—it's whether its institutions, media, and national narratives are ready to embrace this change.
Key facts about Canada's demographic changes:
European Ancestry (2021): 52.5%
Non-European Ancestry (2021): 47.5% (including Asian, African, Indigenous, Latin American, Caribbean, and other origins)
Projected Visible Minority Proportion (2041): 38.2%–43.0%