Dr. Ruby Dhalla Written by Renu Mehta

She has created history in Canada as one of the first South Asian woman to sit in the House of Commons in Canada. The newest Member of Parliament to be elected from Brampton-Springdale in the June Federal Elections cruised to victory finishing with almost 40 per cent more votes than her closest opponent.

Her journey in politics began at the tender age of 12 when she began to volunteer with the Liberal Party of Canada as part of a national youth program. The story began when she went to her local Member of Parliament and requested that he sponsor her for this program with an amount of $100. Her request was readily complied with on one condition, that she agree to volunteer as part of this program.

Little did she realize what this would involve. “I did not realize the volunteer commitment was for every Saturday for one full year”, says Dhalla. “While other kids played soccer and hockey, I worked every week. It was a wonderful experience”.
Her voyage with politics continued as she gradually became involved with grassroots activities, understanding the philosophy and values of the party. Her commitment and dedication to the party led her to become a youth leader, member of the National Women’s Commission and also a party delegate.

After 18 years with the Liberal party and barely out of her 20s, Dhalla says it was a great honor to receive the confidence of the Liberal party and the Prime Minister who had a mandate to ensure there is greater representation of women in the House of Commons.
“It was a complete surprise when I got the call early May 2004 that I was going to be appointed for this riding. I originally declined. But after some thought, I realized that this is what I have been working towards for the last 18 years. I wanted to serve the people with commitment and focus and I did not want to run away from my responsibilities”.

As a woman, a South Asian and an offspring of immigrants, she finds she can connect with a wide range of the local and Canadian population. Indeed her youth and background in health care were also seen as valuable political attributes.
As a practicing chiropractor, Dhalla’s primary focus will be on healthcare. She runs several health care clinics in Brampton, Toronto, Mississauga and Aurora that she operates with her brother, Neil, also a chiropractor.

“One of the first priorities will be to establish community advisory committees on health care and other local issues”, says Dhalla.

Besides child-care, early childhood education, better infrastructure and job creation are also issues high on her priority list and issues that voters in her constituency are concerned about and she will be addressing these. As a young 30-year old, she believes she can relate very well to youth:
“Just to understand the young minds, to identify with them, to understand their issues and to give them hope is an achievement in itself”, says Dhalla.

Dhalla’s cultural background as a South Asian was viewed as an asset in reaching out to the diverse community in Brampton and Canada. And after only six weeks of non-stop canvassing, polling, door-to-door knocking, her hard work and commitment has paid off.

“I’m a firm believer in representing the constituents of this riding and doing what’s best for them. I want to be their voice in Parliament and serve them with commitment, passion, energy and enthusiasm”.