Pakistani-Origin Candidate Takes Leave from Government Job to Contest Canadian Elections

 Rana Aslam, a Pakistani-origin candidate running in the Canadian federal elections, has taken an unusual step by requesting a one-day leave from his government job to contest the upcoming elections. Aslam, who is running as the Liberal Party candidate for the Hamilton constituency, has announced that if he wins the seat, he will resign from his engineering position on April 29. However, if his bid is unsuccessful, he plans to return to work the following day.

Career Background and Election Goals

Originally from Multan, Pakistan, Aslam moved to Canada in 2003. He joined the Liberal Party in 2010, and over the years, has held various party roles. Aslam’s decision to run for office comes from his commitment to the people of Hamilton, a constituency facing economic struggles, particularly in the wake of former U.S. President Trump’s tariff policy, which significantly impacted the local aluminum industry.

In an interview with *Geo News*, Aslam discussed the tough challenges facing Hamilton’s aluminum sector, highlighting that the region had to pay $3.5 million in tariffs for aluminum exports to the U.S. within just one month. As a result, if elected, Aslam said his focus would be on securing new infrastructure projects, including road construction and repairs, to revitalize the area and create more job opportunities.

A Controversial Race in a Diverse Constituency

Despite the relatively small number of Pakistani-Canadian voters in Hamilton, Aslam has garnered the support of several minority communities. Although he faces stiff competition from the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate, the growing popularity of the Liberal Party is seen as giving Aslam an edge in the race.

During his campaign, Aslam has taken a unique approach. Unlike many politicians who campaign with large entourages, he has been seen personally meeting voters in his constituency, often wearing a volunteer badge and accompanied by a handful of young supporters. His grassroots campaign style has resonated with constituents, especially in an area grappling with economic challenges.

Aslam’s Connection to Pakistan

Aslam’s love for his homeland, Pakistan, is evident. He fondly remembers the mangoes from Shujaabad, a region in Pakistan famous for its sweet and fragrant fruits. His deep ties to both his roots in Multan and his adopted community in Hamilton shape his vision for the future, as he hopes to bridge gaps and improve the lives of residents in his constituency.

While Aslam faces an uphill battle in the upcoming election, his strong ties to the Liberal Party and commitment to local issues place him in a strong position. As the election nears, it will be interesting to see how his candidacy shapes the political landscape in Hamilton.