Toronto’s Scarborough Southwest constituency has come back into political focus after Bangladeshi-origin politician Dolly Begum secured the ruling Liberal Party’s nomination for federal politics.
The development has sparked excitement among expatriate Bangladeshis in Canada.
The seat, long known as a Liberal stronghold, effectively became vacant following the departure of former minister Bill Blair. With the opening, the Liberal Party nominated Dolly Begum as its candidate for the upcoming federal by-election.
On Tuesday, the Liberal Party of Canada formally announced that Begum will contest the Scarborough Southwest by-election as a candidate of the Liberal Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Dolly Begum has served as the provincial Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Scarborough Southwest since 2018. She made history as the first Bangladeshi-origin MPP elected to Canada’s legislature and has carried out her duties with dedication.
At Queen’s Park, Begum emerged not only as a lawmaker but also as deputy leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party. She established herself as a strong and vocal opposition figure. By winning three consecutive elections by large margins, she earned deep public trust and popularity.
Liberal Party of Canada President Sachit Mehra said in a statement that Dolly Begum’s record of public service is unparalleled.
He said she is not only a capable politician but also a living symbol of the people’s hopes and aspirations. He added that the inclusion of a leader like Begum in Prime Minister Carney’s new team would further strengthen Canada.
In her official statement, Begum cited Prime Minister Mark Carney’s far-sighted leadership as the reason for joining the Liberal Party.
She said she has fought for the people of Scarborough Southwest for the past seven years. However, she felt that at this critical moment for the country, work at the federal level is necessary to build a stronger and more independent economic framework. She said she wants to pursue that goal under Carney’s leadership.
Begum said she is ready to take on the challenges of reducing the cost of living, ensuring affordable housing, and building Canada as a united and prosperous nation.
Dolly Begum hails from the banks of the Manu River in Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh. She moved to Canada at the age of 12 with her parents, Raja Mia and Joba Begum.
After completing her undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Toronto, she earned a master’s degree in development administration and planning from the University College London (UCL).
Toronto-based expatriate and prominent community figure Delwar Elahi said the decision by the Liberal Party and Prime Minister Mark Carney once again proves that in Canadian politics, integrity, competence, public engagement, and commitment to the country’s values of equality matter more than party affiliation. He said Canada’s multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith character rewards politicians who genuinely practise those ideals.
He added that Dolly Begum has repeatedly proven her broad acceptability and that Prime Minister Carney emerged politically stronger by bringing her into the party. He congratulated Carney and the Liberal leadership on the decision.
Political analysts said Begum’s move from provincial to federal politics adds a new dimension to her career. They also said her success would inspire Bangladeshis in Canada, particularly the younger generation, to engage more actively in mainstream politics.
