Doly Begum has made history in Canadian politics by becoming the first politician of Bangladeshi origin to be elected as a federal Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada.
She secured a strong victory in Monday night’s (April 13) federal by-election after joining the Liberal Party earlier this year, according to CBC News. Begum, a former New Democrat MPP for Scarborough Southwest, will now represent the riding in Ottawa.
The seat became vacant after longtime MP Bill Blair stepped down to take on the role of Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Her win also helped the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney secure a narrow majority. Recently, several MPs—including four Conservatives—have crossed over to join the Liberals.
With Liberal candidates winning all three by-elections held on Monday, the party’s total seat count rose to 174, surpassing the 172 required for a majority government.
Speaking at a celebration event, Begum said, “Tonight, we celebrate something truly powerful—a community coming together, setting aside differences to choose hope, compassion, and progress.”
She received nearly 70% of the vote, although voter turnout remained relatively low, with only about one-third of eligible voters casting ballots.
Several notable individuals attended the celebration, including MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MPP Andrea Hazell, and former provincial Liberal candidate Qadira Jackson.
