Sunday April 27, 2025
TORONTO, Canada (HOL) — Somali Canadian Sayid Ahmed is among three candidates of Somali descent running for seats in Canada’s Parliament, as the country faces a pivotal election amid economic hardship and rising political tensions with the United States.
Ahmed, contesting in Edmonton Centre under the Conservative Party, hopes to become the first Somali Canadian elected to Parliament from the party. His candidacy reflects the growing political engagement of Somali Canadians, a community that has made significant strides across Canadian society.
The election, called in late March by Prime Minister Mark Carney after succeeding Justin Trudeau, pits the ruling Liberal Party against the opposition Conservatives. Carney faces a tough race against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as Canadians grapple with high inflation, a worsening housing crisis, and lingering trade disputes with the United States.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting Canada should join the United States as its 51st state further inflamed tensions. Carney has pledged to defend Canadian sovereignty and to push back against punitive tariffs imposed during Trump’s tenure.
For many immigrant communities, including Somali Canadians, the election comes at a time when economic uncertainty and access to affordable housing are critical concerns.
Ahmed’s journey from Somalia to Canadian politics is rooted in perseverance. Speaking at his campaign launch two weeks ago, he recounted a childhood shaped by poverty and resilience.
“My story didn’t start here in Edmonton,” he told supporters. “It began thousands of miles away, in Somalia, a place many of you may never have seen. I was born into an impoverished family — if you visited my old neighbourhood, they would have pointed you to the poorest home, and it was ours. But my parents believed in education. Everything I have today — my life, my opportunities — stems from hard work, opportunity, and learning. Education is the great equalizer.”
Ahmed has spent over a decade working in Alberta’s healthcare and social service sectors. He also served as a senior advisor to the federal and provincial governments. An economist by training, he earned his undergraduate degree in Uganda and completed a master’s degree at the University of Ottawa.
Beyond Ahmed, two other Somali Canadians are seeking office. Ahmed Hussen, a Liberal Party candidate, has served in Parliament since 2015 and held several cabinet posts, including Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister of Housing. Meanwhile, Omar Abubakar is contesting under the New Democratic Party (NDP).
The Somali Canadian community’s growing political involvement signals wider trends of civic participation, with increasing representation at provincial and municipal levels.
- With files from the BBC Somali Service
