How Health Minister Kamal Khera lost in Liberal stronghold of Brampton West

Liberal candidate and Canada's Health Minister, Kamal Khera, lost her seat in Brampton West during the 2025 federal election. Khera had a neck-and-neck fight with Conservative candidate Amarjeet Gill and was eventually defeated. She secured 47.5% of the vote compared to Gill’s 49.96%.


She was among the youngest females to be elected as a member of Parliament in Canadian history when she won in 2015.



She has previously served as Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities and as Minister of Seniors. She also served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.


In March 2025, she was appointed as the Minister of Health and became the only Indian-born member of Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly sworn in cabinet.

Local efforts vs. national sentiment

Khera is a registered nurse whose active involvement in frontline healthcare during the pandemic, including volunteering at long-term care facilities and administering vaccines, boosted her public appeal.

However, her defeat may also be seen as broader national concerns that overshadowed local efforts. The Liberal government's handling of healthcare and debates over privatization and funding may have influenced voter sentiment. Additionally, past controversies, such as her unauthorized travel during pandemic restrictions and limited parliamentary engagement, have also been widely criticized.

Amarjeet Gill's campaign strategy

Amarjeet Gill's campaign focused on both the local and national discourse. He was vocal about increasing funds for local hospitals. Gill's campaign was also boosted by the Conservative Party's national election agenda, which included the income tax cut, dental, and childcare programme, giving him the edge.

Implications for the Liberal Party

Kamal Khera is the only sitting minister to lose, dealing a setback to the Liberal Party which otherwise has a great election, returning to power for the fourth consecutive term. As the party reflects on this outcome, it may need to reassess its strategies to rebuild trust and support in key ridings like Brampton West.