Ruby Dhalla is a Canadian politician, entrepreneur, and former Member of Parliament known for her historic role as one of the first Sikh women elected to the Canadian House of Commons. She recently made headlines by announcing her candidacy for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, positioning herself as a potential future Prime Minister of Canada.
Beyond politics, Dhalla has a unique background, having previously been a beauty pageant contestant, chiropractor, and actress in a Bollywood-style Hindi movie. Her journey from entertainment to politics has made her a notable figure in Canada’s political landscape.
In this article, we will explore Ruby Dhalla’s net worth, age, height, family, political career, controversies, Bollywood experience, and more.
Ruby Dhalla Short Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ruby Dhalla |
Profession | Politician, Businesswoman, Former Actress |
Political Party | Liberal Party of Canada |
Birthplace | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
Nationality | Canadian |
Date of Birth | February 18, 1974 |
Age (as of 2025) | 50 years old |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
Education | University of Winnipeg (BSc), Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (DC) |
Years Active in Politics | 2004–2011, 2025–present |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Notable Achievement | First Sikh Woman Elected to Canadian Parliament |
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3-5 million |
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
- Ruby Dhalla was born on February 18, 1974, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to Punjabi Sikh immigrant parents from India.
- Her mother raised her as a single parent, working as a bookkeeper and nanny to support the family.
- From a young age, Dhalla was active in social and community work, advocating for causes related to education, healthcare, and immigrant rights.
Education
- Dhalla attended McMaster University on a full scholarship but later transferred to the University of Winnipeg, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Political Science (1995).
- She pursued further studies at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1999.
- She went on to establish multiple chiropractic clinics across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Career Before Politics
Beauty Pageants and Modeling
- In 1993, Dhalla was the first runner-up in the Miss India Canada pageant.
- She later participated in fashion modeling and advertisements, gaining experience in the entertainment industry.
Acting Career: Bollywood Connection
- In 2003, Dhalla starred in a Bollywood-style Hindi movie titled Kyon? Kis Liye? (Why? And For Whom?), which was shot in Hamilton, Ontario.
- The movie was based on the real-life trial of Hamilton serial killer Sukhwinder Dhillon.
- After entering politics, she tried to block the film’s DVD release, claiming her face had been superimposed onto another person’s body in promotional material.
- The film’s producer denied her allegations, saying Dhalla always wanted to be a Bollywood star and had actively participated in the movie.
Political Career
Entry into Politics (2004)
- In 2004, Prime Minister Paul Martin personally invited Dhalla to run for office under the Liberal Party of Canada.
- She was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Brampton-Springdale, making history as one of the first Sikh women to serve in Canada’s House of Commons.
- She was re-elected in 2006 and 2008, serving three consecutive terms in Parliament.
Political Achievements
- Introduced a Bill for Foreign Credential Recognition, helping immigrants gain professional employment.
- Advocated for women’s rights, minority representation, and economic reforms.
- Led efforts for Canada-India trade relations and participated in foreign missions to South Asia.
- Organized relief efforts for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2005 Pakistan earthquake.
- Championed same-sex marriage rights, despite opposition from some South Asian communities.
Defeat in 2011 and Political Comeback (2025)
- In 2011, Dhalla lost her seat to Conservative candidate Parm Gill, marking the end of her political tenure—until now.
- On January 22, 2025, she officially announced her candidacy for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, aiming to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Ruby Dhalla’s 2025 Leadership Bid
What She Stands For
- Diversity & Representation: Aiming to be Canada’s first female Prime Minister of color.
- Grassroots Involvement: Wants to empower local voices and make decision-making more democratic.
- Economic and Healthcare Reform: Focus on affordable healthcare, education, and economic stability.
- Restoring Public Trust in Government: Promises to distance herself from Trudeau’s policies and bring a fresh perspective to the Liberal Party.
Challenges in the Race
- Facing strong contenders, including Mark Carney (Former Bank of Canada Governor) and Chrystia Freeland (Deputy PM and Finance Minister).
- Needs to rebuild her political influence, as she has been out of active politics since 2011.
- Overcoming past controversies related to her acting career and allegations of mistreatment of domestic workers.
Controversies and Legal Disputes
Caregiver Scandal (2009)
- Allegations emerged that Dhalla’s family mistreated live-in caregivers, withholding passports and unpaid wages.
- Dhalla denied involvement, saying she was not responsible for hiring or managing the workers.
- The incident damaged her political reputation, although no formal charges were ever filed.
Bollywood Movie Dispute
- Dhalla tried to prevent the release of Kyon? Kis Liye?, arguing that her images had been altered.
- The film’s producer denied her claims, causing public speculation about her past entertainment career.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Siblings | Brother (Deceased in 2021) |
Residence | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
Current Occupation | CEO of The Dhalla Group (Healthcare, Real Estate, Hospitality) |
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3-5 million |
Lesser-Known Facts About Ruby Dhalla
- She wrote a letter to Indira Gandhi at age 10, advocating for peace in Punjab.
- She was shortlisted for the Rhodes Scholarship, but chose a political career instead.
- She has a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and owns multiple healthcare businesses.
- She has experience in both Bollywood and modeling before entering politics.
- She was among the first women of Indian origin elected to Canada’s Parliament.
- She led a campaign to get Canada to apologize for the 1914 Komagata Maru incident.
- She was once approached to switch to the Conservative Party, but refused.
- She’s fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, and English.
Conclusion
Ruby Dhalla’s journey from beauty pageants and Bollywood to politics and business leadership is unique and inspiring. Now, in 2025, she is making a major political comeback, running to become Canada’s first female Prime Minister of color.
With a strong legacy in immigrant rights, economic policy, and international relations, she is a serious contender. However, her past controversies, political opposition, and long absence from public office make her campaign a challenging one.
Whether she wins or not, Ruby Dhalla’s return to politics will certainly shape Canada’s future.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.