A Journey from Immigrant to MPP Candidate for Haldimand-Norfolk, Ontario
Vandan Patel, the Provincial Liberal Party’s candidate for MPP in Haldimand-Norfolk County, recently sat down with Dhwani to share his inspiring journey. From an immigrant facing early struggles to a respected political figure, Patel’s story embodies resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to community service.
From the very beginning, Patel believed in community service, actively participating in social initiatives back home. During his college years, he served as General Secretary (GS), demonstrating early leadership skills. As an entrepreneur, he owned and operated a pizza store in Cambridge for 12 years, where he had the opportunity to meet many community members in need. Recognizing gaps in support services and drawing from his past experiences, Patel decided to enter local politics, connecting with the Liberal Party of Canada.
His first foray into politics included running for a City Councillor position in Cambridge. Although he was not elected, Patel views the experience as a valuable learning opportunity. “Winning and losing are part of life, but it’s all about gaining experience and embracing the challenge,” he stated. This perspective has only fueled his passion and commitment to public service.
Through his work, Patel has had the privilege of learning about the diverse experiences of migrants from around the world who have made Canada their home. He believes that understanding their challenges and triumphs has been an incredibly enriching experience. His dedication to community involvement also led him to become the secretary of the Royal Legion Board in Cambridge.
“When you dedicate yourself to a cause, don’t worry about whether people notice. There is always someone watching, and you never know what opportunities it may bring. Keep doing what you are doing, without expecting immediate rewards—your time will come,” Patel shared.
One particularly heartwarming instance of his community involvement was his support for a Ukrainian family who visited his store and expressed their desire to celebrate a Ukrainian flag-raising ceremony. Patel invited them to his store, displaying the Ukrainian flag in solidarity. What started as a small gathering with three families in 2017 grew into a major community event in 2023, with over 100 families coming together to celebrate Ukrainian Day. In recognition of his efforts, Patel was honored by the Ukrainian church for initiating this celebration, which included a ceremonial cake-cutting.
When asked about his inspiration, Patel proudly answers, “My Canadian fellows, Canadian citizens—they are my inspiration.” However, he also expresses a concern as an Indo-Canadian Gujarati. He points out that despite a significant population, there are only two Gujarati candidates in all of Ontario running for provincial office. “Among the four major provincially regulated political parties, none show much enthusiasm for selecting Indo-Canadian Gujarati candidates,” he remarks. Patel firmly believes that while the community has worked hard and contributed immensely to Canada, it has not united to form a strong collective voice in the country. “We need our needs to be heard at all levels of government in Canada.”
Highlighting his candidacy in Haldimand-Norfolk, Patel notes that the region has only about 2% Indo-Canadian residents, with the remaining 98% being Canadian-born citizens. Despite this, the Liberal Party recognized his dedication and commitment to public service, offering him the privilege of running as an MPP candidate in the region. “They have seen my dedication and my community’s commitment, and they believe I am the right choice for this region,” Patel states with pride.
If elected, Patel and the Ontario Liberal Party, under the leadership of Bonnie Crombie, plan to focus on critical issues that impact all Ontarians. One of the key priorities is fixing the healthcare system, addressing long ER wait times, and tackling the shortage of doctors and nurses. “It’s unacceptable that in a developed country like Canada, people are being diagnosed over the phone due to a lack of medical staff,” Patel states. He emphasizes the need to invest in healthcare infrastructure rather than unnecessary projects like a tunnel under the 401.
Education is another significant focus. The party aims to improve school infrastructure, support teachers, and reinstate OSAP grants to relieve financial stress for students and families pursuing higher education. Affordable housing and sheltering initiatives will also be prioritized to address the ongoing housing crisis.
Patel also raises an important concern about Ontario’s preparedness for future crises. “If another pandemic like COVID-19 were to happen, are we ready?” he asks. He firmly believes that every family in Ontario should have access to a family doctor, ensuring better healthcare accessibility for all residents.
When asked what he would do specifically for the Indo-Canadian and Gujarati communities if elected, Patel responded with a clear and inclusive message. “The role I am chosen for is MPP, and that goes beyond race or community. For me, all Ontarians are equal. I am here to serve everyone, not just one community—I do not believe in bias,” he stated. However, he acknowledged that representation matters and assured that members of the Indo-Canadian and Gujarati communities are welcome to reach out to him directly with their concerns. “It would be a privilege to address their needs. They can communicate with me in Hindi, Gujarati, or any Indian national language to ensure their voices are accurately represented,” Patel added.
When asked why voters should choose him, Patel responded confidently, “Look at my history in Canada. I have always been there for the community, always helping and being a voice for them. I put the community first before myself.” His longstanding dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to the people of Ontario make him a strong candidate for MPP.
Patel firmly believes in the core values of the Liberal Party and urges voters to support them with confidence. “Why not vote for the Liberal Party? None of the other political parties have nominated Indo-Canadian Gujarati candidates—there are only two out of 124 candidates in Ontario!” he emphasized. Patel is confident that if the Liberal Party wins the election, Bonnie Crombie will be a tremendous asset to Ontario.
He also calls upon the Indo-Canadian and Indo-Canadian Gujarati communities to step up and support candidates running for office, regardless of their party affiliation. “Put personal grievances aside and stand together to show unity. We desperately need our voices heard at all levels of government. If we don’t step up today, it will be too late to bring change,” Patel urged.
Encouraging voters to make informed decisions, he added, “Think before you vote—consider who you are voting for and why. It is a proud moment for Indo-Canadian Gujaratis that we have two candidates in this entire Ontario election. Step up and support them. Read the Liberal Party’s policies before you vote. It doesn’t matter which party you personally believe in, but don’t vote just for a chance to take a selfie at a community gathering. Vote for real change!”
Vandan Patel encourages the community to exercise their right to vote. He acknowledges that many political parties have expressed concerns about the Indo-Canadian community’s low voter turnout. “Don’t wait for someone to call you to vote—take the initiative, make the change, and support community candidates. Stand with them, offer your help, and put up their lawn signs,” Patel urges. He highlights that when candidates from other communities run for office, they receive strong, unified support. “Why, then, does the Indo-Canadian community lag behind in becoming a united voice? It’s surprising but true—let’s change that together!” Patel emphasizes the importance of standing in solidarity to ensure proper representation at all levels of government.
Over the last decade, Patel has been an active member of the Liberal Party at the local level, earning multiple accolades at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. Among his most notable recognitions was the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Award, presented to him in Ottawa. As a proud Gujarati, he also takes immense pride in being acknowledged as the highest door knocker in Canada—not just within the Liberal Party, but across all political affiliations. A special commendation highlighted his outreach efforts, noting that he had engaged with members from over 100+ different national communities, demonstrating his dedication to inclusivity and civic engagement.
Patel’s journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating the power of perseverance and the significance of community involvement. As he campaigns for the MPP position, his story resonates with countless immigrants who arrive in Canada with dreams and aspirations, proving that hard work and determination pave the way to extraordinary achievements.
