Bangladesh-origin Doly Begum, a former Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) leader who recently joined the Federal Liberal Party, has won the Scarborough Southwest federal by-election, securing a seat in Canada’s Parliament, according to CBC.
Her victory keeps the Toronto-area riding under Liberal control following the resignation of longtime MP Bill Blair, who stepped down to serve as Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Begum’s win also carries national significance, helping Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals secure a narrow majority government.
The party now holds 174 seats in Parliament -- crossing the 172-seat threshold required for a majority.
She secured nearly 70% of the vote in the April 13 by-election, defeating Conservative candidate Diana Filipova, who received just over 18%, and NDP candidate Fatima Shaban, who polled around 6%.
Voter turnout stood at roughly one-third of eligible voters.
Addressing supporters after her victory, Begum said the result reflected unity within the community.
“Tonight, we celebrate something truly powerful -- a community coming together, setting aside differences to choose hope, compassion and progress,” she said.
Begum’s rise to federal politics marks a dramatic shift in her career.
First elected as an Ontario MPP in 2018 and later serving as deputy leader of the provincial NDP, she resigned earlier this year to run as a Liberal candidate in the by-election.
Born in Bangladesh, Begum has now made history as the first Bangladeshi-origin politician elected to Canada’s federal Parliament.
Her party switch drew criticism from NDP leadership, but analysts say her strong local support helped secure a decisive victory.
