Pakistani-Origin Candidate Takes Leave to Contest Canadian Elections

In an unusual move, Rana Aslam, a candidate of Pakistani origin, has declared he will take a one-day leave from his government position to participate in the Canadian elections.

Aslam stated that a victory would prompt his resignation, while a defeat would see him return to his job the following day.

Running in the Hamilton constituency under the Liberal Party of Canada, Aslam has garnered significant backing from party leader Mark Carney, the Canadian Prime Minister, who has visited Hamilton twice to campaign on his behalf.

Aslam is currently employed as a government engineer in Hamilton. He has taken leave following established protocols to engage in the election. Should he win and become a Member of Parliament, he will leave his job on April 29. If his campaign is unsuccessful, he intends to resume his engineering responsibilities when his leave concludes on the same date.

Originally from Multan, Aslam relocated to Hamilton in 2003. Joining the Liberal Party in 2010, he has since held various positions within the party. While managing family commitments, he also pursued further education in Canada. He is currently contesting from a relatively disadvantaged constituency in Hamilton that faces numerous challenges.

In an interview, he highlighted that US President Trump’s tariff policies have exacerbated difficulties for the aluminum manufacturing sector in Hamilton. He noted that tariffs on aluminum supplied to the United States have cost $3.5 million in just one month. Consequently, if elected, his focus would be on new construction, road improvements, and other civic projects within his constituency.

Responding to a query, he acknowledged that the number of Pakistani-Canadian voters in his constituency is relatively small. However, he emphasized the active support and collaboration of his Pakistani friends, and he has received assurances of support from other minority communities.

Sources indicate that Aslam is in a tight race against the NDP candidate in this constituency. However, the increasing popularity of the Liberal Party is thought to bolster his prospects.

Aslam has a deep affection for his native Pakistan and the mangoes from Shujaabad. In contrast to Pakistani politicians who often campaign with large convoys, he was observed meeting with voters in his constituency shortly before the election, wearing a volunteer badge and accompanied by a few young supporters.