From Sujapur to Surrey: The Remarkable Political Journey of Sukh Dhaliwal
From humble beginnings in Punjab to the political halls of Ottawa, Sukh Dhaliwal’s journey is one of ambition, reinvention, and resilience. His story reflects the evolving face of Canadian politics—and the complex challenges that come with it.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Roots
Sukh Dhaliwal was born in Sujapur, Punjab, and immigrated to Canada in 1999. Within three years, he proudly became a Canadian citizen. Trained as a professional engineer and land surveyor, he quickly made his mark in British Columbia’s business scene by co-founding a thriving land surveying firm.
His leadership instincts extended into community life. Dhaliwal took an active role in Surrey’s civic affairs, at one point signing up over 2,600 new members for the Surrey Electors Team—more than half the party’s entire membership. Despite losing a bid for city council in 1999, his influence in local politics was unmistakable.
Community Impact Before Politics
Before stepping into federal politics, Dhaliwal served on several influential community boards and committees. His contributions included work with SEEDS (Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society), the City of Surrey’s Parks and Community Services Committee, and the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Breaking Into Federal Politics
Dhaliwal first ran as a Liberal candidate in 2004, narrowly losing to Conservative Gurmant Grewal. But persistence paid off—in 2006, he won the Newton–North Delta seat by a margin of 1,000 votes. He later became a key figure in supporting Michael Ignatieff’s leadership bids, helping to mobilize significant support within the Sikh Canadian community.
His re-election in 2008 by nearly 2,500 votes further solidified his standing, and he was soon appointed Chair of the Northern and Western Caucus of the Liberal Party. As critic for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Western Economic Diversification Canada, Dhaliwal was deeply involved in national trade and infrastructure matters.
Controversies and Comebacks
Dhaliwal’s career has not been without controversy. In 2008, he came under fire for writing a support letter for a convicted drug trafficker using official House of Commons stationery. Then in 2013, a charge of tax evasion related to his business led him to withdraw from provincial candidacy. He later pleaded guilty to three charges and paid a fine.
Yet Dhaliwal made a strong comeback. In 2014, he won the Liberal nomination for the newly formed riding of Surrey—Newton. In the 2015 federal election, he unseated NDP incumbent Jinny Sims with a commanding 56% of the vote.
Standing Up for Human Rights
In 2021, following the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre in India, Dhaliwal made headlines by equating the tragedy to the truck attack in London, Ontario—labeling both as terror attacks. His outspokenness on international human rights issues has made him both a polarizing and influential figure.
Celebrating Sikh Heritage
One of Dhaliwal’s most widely praised contributions is his successful push to establish Sikh Heritage Month in Canada. The initiative honors the rich cultural, linguistic, and spiritual contributions of Sikh Canadians to the nation’s fabric.
Championing Democracy: Motion M-112
In May 2024, Dhaliwal introduced Motion M-112, a strong stand against foreign interference in Canadian politics. The motion called for unified national strategies to combat threats to Canadian sovereignty and democracy. It passed unanimously in the House of Commons—an important political milestone.
Recent Endorsements and Ongoing Controversy
In January 2025, Dhaliwal endorsed economist Mark Carney for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, aligning himself with a vision of financial reform and international diplomacy.
But in August 2024, he sparked controversy by sponsoring a petition calling for a new inquiry into the 1985 Air India bombing. The petition promoted a widely disputed theory implicating the Indian government, contrary to previous public inquiries that named Sikh extremists. Dhaliwal remained neutral on the petition’s claims, stating he was merely presenting public opinion—not endorsing it.
