Chandra Arya, of Indian Descent, Declares Candidacy for Prime Minister of Canada

New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) Chandra Arya, an MP of Indian descent in Canada and a former supporter of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced his decision to run for the role of Prime Minister just days after Trudeau's resignation.

In a post on X, Arya stated, "I am competing to become the next Prime Minister of Canada to lead a smaller, more effective government aimed at restoring our country and ensuring prosperity for future generations."

Trudeau's leadership was marked by various difficulties, spanning from international diplomatic strains to national controversies, including his approach to the Khalistan situation and visa limitations affecting Indian students.

Arya emphasized, "We are encountering serious structural challenges that have not been faced for generations, and addressing these issues will necessitate difficult decisions."

He continued: "I have consistently strived for the best outcomes for Canadians, and for the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make bold choices that are essential. If I am elected as the next Leader of the Liberal Party, I will bring my expertise and knowledge to achieve this," adding, "We are in a perfect storm: Many Canadians, particularly the younger population, are grappling with significant affordability challenges. The working middle class is currently struggling, with many working families heading into retirement in a state of poverty."

Arya also stated: "Canada requires leadership that is not afraid to make decisive moves. Moves that can rejuvenate our economy, restore optimism, create equitable opportunities for all Canadians, and ensure prosperity for our children and grandchildren. Bold political choices are not optional; they are imperative. Guided by prudence and practicality, I am stepping up to take on this responsibility and lead Canada as its next Prime Minister."

Chandra Arya hails from Dwarlu village in the Sira Taluk, Tumkur district, Karnataka, India, and earned his MBA from the Kousali Institute of Management Studies, Karnataka University, Dharwad.

In 2006, Arya moved to Canada, where he first held the position of chairman of the Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber before transitioning into politics.

Arya was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Nepean riding during the 2015 Canadian federal elections and successfully retained his seat in both the 2019 and 2021 elections.

This MP of Indian descent is a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade.

In 2022, Arya made history as the first MP to address the House of Commons of Canada in Kannada, his native language.

He has passionately advocated for various issues, including condemning the vandalism of Hindu temples in Toronto, which he attributed to "Khalistani extremists."

Arya also suggests limiting immigration to align with "our economic growth demands and specifically targeting skilled trades," criminalizing "the glorification and display of support for terrorists, extremism, and terrorist organizations," ensuring orders for over 100,000 prefab homes, "transforming housing construction through advanced technologies," and prioritizing defense investments that cater to "Canada's specific needs."

"It's time for Canada to take full control of its future. My government will work towards establishing Canada as a sovereign republic."

Former Liberal MP Frank Baylis is the only other declared candidate for the Liberal leadership.

Several other prominent figures, including Gatineau MP and Minister of Employment Steve MacKinnon, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, are contemplating entering the race for the Liberal leadership. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is also considering a run for the Liberal Party leadership.

In his campaign to lead the Liberal party, Ottawa MP Chandra Arya has pledged to abolish the consumer carbon tax and advocate for Canada to become a republic.

On Monday, Justin Trudeau announced his intention to step down as Liberal leader and Prime Minister once a successor is appointed. The Liberal Party of Canada has yet to disclose the rules for the forthcoming leadership election, including those pertaining to candidates and voting eligibility.

Arya is the first member of the Liberal Caucus to publicly declare his candidacy for party leadership.

"We are encountering serious structural challenges that have not been faced for generations, and addressing these issues will necessitate tough decisions," Arya stated in a video shared on X.

"Our economic growth and fiscal health are not benefiting a significant number of Canadians."

In his candidacy announcement letter, Arya expressed his commitment to making the "big and bold decisions necessary to revive our economy and promote prosperity for all generations," alongside revisiting government spending.

"Every government initiative and entity will be evaluated with a straightforward question: Is it still relevant? If not, it will be eliminated or restructured to promote economic growth," Arya noted.

"No excuses, no waste. We will maintain a laser-focused approach on the economic implications of every decision we undertake."

Arya introduced several policy initiatives, including setting an "ambitious target" for Canada's real GDP to reach $5 trillion within 25 years, raising the retirement age by two years, and engaging scientists, engineers, and industry experts to "lead the creation of evidence-based policies" aimed at fostering economic growth and addressing climate change.

"Activist-driven policies, such as the consumer carbon pricing mechanism, will be eliminated," Arya stated.