Dr. Dhalla brings extraordinary experience, passion, and perspective to her role as the Member of Parliament for Brampton Springdale in Canada’s Parliament. As a community activist, doctor, and entrepreneur she is one of the leading progressive voices in parliament and works tirelessly in Parliament on behalf of those that struggle to be heard. Dr. Dhalla made history in 2004 as the first South Asian Woman to be elected to federal parliament in the western world and was subsequently re-elected on January 23, 2006 and again on October 14th 2008 by the support of her constituents. She is one of the youngest women in Canadian Parliament and currently serves as the Special Advisor on Child Poverty to the Leader of the Liberal Party.

Her experience in politics started at a young age, when she wrote a letter advocating for peace to the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Ghandi, at the age of 10. Her journey in politics has been from the grassroots of working as a volunteer with her local MP starting at the age of 12, to knocking on doors in numerous election campaigns and to contributing to policy development

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and graduating with her Doctor of Chiropractic in 1999 in Toronto, Dr. Dhalla has had the fortunate opportunity of listening, learning, connecting and working with people from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.  Her journey and experiences have served as her own inspiration in advocating for women, fighting for youth and promoting Canada’s role in the international arena.

As a doctor and an owner of multidisciplinary health care clinics prior to seeking public office, Dr. Dhalla has witnessed first hand the complexities and the challenges of Canada’s heath system, especially those faced by patients and front-line health care providers.  It is with this firsthand knowledge and insight that Dr. Dhalla contributed to her former role as the Critic for Health for the Official Opposition and as Vice- Chair for the Standing Committee on Health and continues to be  a vocal advocate of ensuring all Canadians receive access to quality and timely health care services.

In addition to her work in health care advocacy, Dr Dhalla has also championed an issue important to many new Canadians – foreign credential recognition.  As the daughter of immigrant parents, Dr Dhalla is sensitive to the challenges encountered by new Canadians.  It was for this reason that one of the first initiatives undertaken by Dr. Dhalla was to bring forward a private member’s motion that called on the government to work in collaboration with all stakeholders to create a separate department for Foreign Credential Recognition. Since this motion was passed she has continued to work tirelessly in parliament on behalf of all immigrants who are unable to get their qualifications recognized and accredited.

A prominent supporter of human rights Dr. Dhalla made history on May 15, 2008 when her private members motion asking the Government of Canada to officially apologize to the Indo-Canadian community and the individuals impacted in the 1914 Komagata Maru injustice was passed. As a firm proponent of Canada’s unique role as a leader in the global arena for democracy, peace & humanitarian relief efforts Dr. Dhalla was also instrumental in initiating the Canada for Asia concert which featured many prominent Canadian artists & performers & raised over $4 million for international tsunami relief efforts in 2005.  Dr. Dhalla has been a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences to further promote humanitarian relief causes.

As one of Canada’s youngest female Members of Parliament, Dr. Dhalla is a strong champion for youth.  She recognizes the responsibility of reaching out to young Canadians & promoting & encouraging youth participation in the political process.  She has launched a unique initiative called the Brampton Youth Advisory Council to empower & engage youth to develop & design solutions for the challenges they face such as violence & racism.  The Youth Advisory Council has become a model for many communities for encouraging youth participation in the community & the political process.  Her youth, energy & vision have made her a natural role model for the next generation of Canadians as she listens, encourages & inspires the youth of today by regularly visiting all of the schools in her constituency. 

Raised by a single mother, Dr. Dhalla recognizes the many obstacles women face in their careers and daily lives. She is a strong advocate for issues impacting women such as domestic abuse, fraud marriages and equal pay. Recently, Dr. Dhalla launched an the Ethno-Cultural Canadian Women’s Organization (ECC♀ ) which has been created to empower women from all ethnic communities that suffer from domestic violence with the tools and resources they need to succeed. As a member of the Liberal Women’s Caucus in Parliament, she continues to promote the participation of women in the political and policy process and lends a strong voice to issues and causes that impact women throughout the world. 

As one of Canada’s leading progressive voices, Dr. Dhalla has also championed a wide variety of causes on the international scene.  In this era of globalization, she has been a firm promoter of enhancing Canada’s trade relationships and partnerships with emerging economies. In particular she has been a strong championing of strengthening, enhancing, and mobilizing the trade, cultural and economic relationship between Canada and India. She has also been a strong champion for the eradication of HIV/AIDS & Tuberculosis through her creation of the multi-party HIV/AIDS/TB Parliamentary Caucus.

Dr. Dhalla has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions, namely the Rotary Club of Brampton’s Humanitarian Award, Brampton Neighbourhood and Resource Centre’s Leadership Award as well as the Pride of India Award. In addition, Dr. Dhalla was recently the recipient of the Non-Resident Indian of the Year Award from the NRI Institute and the Award for Outstanding Political Leadership Award from Indian Empire Magazine.

In 2007 Dr. Dhalla was also profiled in India’s Limca Book of Records to highlight her tremendous vision, dedication and efforts in helping others.  In recognition of her achievements Dr. Dhalla was invited to join other young global leaders at the Windsor Castle by His Royal Highness Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex.

Her passionate vision for Canada and its future combined with her goal to empower women, youth and seniors has given strength to a few, hope to some and inspiration to many.

"Politics is not about power, but about empowerment in which all people have a voice. Politics is about people...their hopes, dreams, and desires. It's about working together to create a society in which equality, acceptance, and respect continue to be Canada's hallmarks."