Liberal MP Maninder Sidhu has been re-elected in Brampton East, securing a third term in a closely contested race that underscored both local and national issues shaping the 2025 federal election.
With 160 of 170 polls reporting as of 1:40 a.m. on April 29, Sidhu received 19,883 votes—49.1 per cent of ballots cast—edging out Conservative challenger Bob Dosanjh Singh, who garnered 18,180 votes or 44.9 per cent. The riding saw one of the highest voter turnouts in the region, including more than 18,000 advance ballots.
“Brampton East residents have put their faith in me to return to Parliament and continue working on their behalf,” Sidhu said during his victory celebration at Speranza Banquet Hall. “What I hear from my constituents is that they believe in Mr. Carney’s vision—standing up to President Trump, fighting back on tariffs, and growing our economy here in Brampton East.”
Since first being elected in 2019, Sidhu has served as parliamentary secretary to three different ministers, most recently with the Minister of International Trade and Economic Development. He has also held roles on the Standing Committees for Natural Resources and Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
Sidhu identified the economy as the top concern among voters, followed by affordability and crime. “Brampton is known as a supply chain hub, with many jobs tied to warehousing, trucking, and manufacturing,” he said. “President Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum are directly impacting those jobs.” He added that there was “a lot of anxiety” among voters, and many felt reassured by Mark Carney’s economic leadership. “People are saying we need an economist during these times.”
With Brampton East considered the youngest riding in Ontario—the average age is just 33—Sidhu said housing affordability and access to good-paying jobs for recent graduates remain major concerns. “A lot of people paying rent want to know what the government will do to make life more affordable,” he said. “We need to bring more industry to Brampton and help our young workforce thrive.”
Sidhu also served as national co-chair of the Liberal campaign, playing a key role in the party’s national strategy during this closely fought election.
Conservative challenger Bob Dosanjh Singh, a local entrepreneur who previously ran in Brampton’s 2022 mayoral race, ran a strong campaign focused on crime and affordability. “People are fed up,” Singh said in a pre-election interview. “They’re worried about shootings, extortion, and car thefts—people are not feeling safe.” He also emphasized the high cost of living, pointing to unaffordable groceries, housing, and rising mortgage payments.
Singh, who immigrated to Canada in 1988, is the founder of AVP Studios and Sanjha Punjab Broadcasting, a Punjabi-language media company. Despite the loss, his second-place finish showed a strong Conservative presence in the riding.
People’s Party candidate Jeff Lal, also an entrepreneur, finished a distant third with 1,608 votes (4.0 per cent). NDP candidate Haramrit Singh received 701 votes (1.7 per cent), while Centrist Party of Canada candidate Abdus Kissana, a realtor, trailed with 101 votes (0.2 per cent).
Reflecting on the record voter turnout, Sidhu said it was a positive sign for democratic engagement. “It’s good for democracy,” he said. “We were pulling strong numbers during the advance polls, and it made the difference.”