With the Canadian federal elections on the horizon, the political scene is gearing up for change, particularly with the emergence of 24-year-old Fares Al Soud who, fresh off winning his internal Liberal Party nomination, is determined to represent his Mississauga Centre constituency effectively. Al Soud’s rise symbolizes not only personal ambition but also reflects the broader aspirations of younger Canadians seeking representation.
Fares Al Soud, who is Palestinian-Canadian, recently won uncontested the candidacy for the Liberal Party, setting the stage for the upcoming federal elections slated for 2025. He is backing the newly appointed Liberal leader, Mark Carney, who is set to take the oath of office as the new Prime Minister of Canada, succeeding Justin Trudeau after he formally steps down on March 14, 2025.
Reflecting on his political ambitions, Al Soud stated, “I have always had political ambitions to be a candidate... my goal was to be someone who truly represented the citizens of Mississauga.” His political career, beginning with volunteering for Omar Alghabra, the former Canadian Transport Minister, has laid the groundwork for his current candidacy. Al Soud acknowledges the work and dedication it required to ascend to this level, emphasizing the need for diligence, stating, “I must work harder than anyone else.”
Born and raised for 14 years in Quebec, Al Soud recognizes his position within the community. “The priority for people now is the cost of living,” he explained, highlighting the pressing concerns within his constituency, from rising gasoline prices to affordable housing. “My generation looks at the 20% down payment required to buy property and thinks it’s completely unattainable.”
Al Soud's candidacy also touches on wider issues impacting both the Palestinian community and other minorities within Canada. He reflects on past political climates, saying, “Before 2015, under Conservative rule, we were excluded from any political dialogue... Now, we have the Liberal Party which, over the last decade, has made sure we have dialogue, even if at times it’s uneasy.” His presence within the party is not just about representation but about ensuring the voices of diverse communities are heard and addressed.
He believes it’s not just his role to advance Palestinian issues but also to articulate broader concerns among various cultural groups. “People often ask about Palestine and the broader Middle Eastern situation. It's not just Muslims who care, but also everyone living here,” he affirmed. He also vowed, “I will fight for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state if elected.”
During recent discussions, Al Soud stressed the importance of engaging younger citizens: “It’s erroneous to claim young people are uninterested in politics. The disinterest among young people is no different than the older generation.” He encourages fellow youths to engage early, insisting, “If we’re not involved, we lose our ability to shape this country’s priorities.”
Meanwhile, as Al Soud prepares for the upcoming campaign, Mark Carney is seen as pivotal for the Liberal Party's future. He addressed supporters during his victory announcing, “I am committed to leading our party and our country during these challenging times.” Carney will officially assume office on March 14, leading the party forward after pledging to facilitate smooth power transitions during the changes.
Appointing trusted political allies such as Marco Mendicino as head of his office, Carney aims to build on the strong foundations laid by Trudeau’s government, solidifying the Liberal Party's stance for the elections. The energies within the Liberal Party are suffused with enthusiasm for rebuilding trust and addressing contemporary struggles, such as the pressures from the Trump administration’s trade policies.
At such pivotal moments leading to the election, former Quebec Premier Jean Charest’s potential involvement has been speculated upon, as Carney’s team seeks to bolster the party with experienced players who can navigate the turbulent waters of Canadian politics. While Charest has shown hesitance to take on ministerial roles, his insights and guidance may prove valuable for the party's strategy.
Despite the successful track record of the Liberal Party within Mississauga Centre since 2015, challenges remain. “We cannot presume our status is guaranteed,” Al Soud admits, showing his determination to not take any support for granted.
With Al Soud's industrious spirit and Carney's economic acumen, the road to the 2025 elections seems ripe for engagement, as they embody the values of youthful aspirations combined with seasoned insights. Both strive for transparency and engagement within their constituencies to address pressing issues ranging from economics to humanitarian efforts.
Mark Carney's commitment to changing how the government addresses public concerns emphasizes the importance of not only political representation but also authentic engagement with the populace’s needs.
With the youth taking active roles and seasoned leaders guiding them, the upcoming federal elections promise dynamic discourse as Canada navigates complex local and international challenges.