A recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute (ARI) reveals a shift in support towards the opposition Conservative Party among Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. According to the survey, 53% of Hindus and 54% of Sikhs plan to vote for the Conservatives in the next elections, signaling a decline in support for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ruling Liberal Party across all religious groups.
The momentum for the Conservatives within these faith communities is particularly significant as they form substantial voting blocs in major urban areas such as the Greater Toronto Area, Metro Vancouver, and Calgary. This shift could potentially sway the outcome of the upcoming elections, scheduled for October next year.
The survey also highlights the Conservatives’ lead among Canadian Christians, Jews, and voters with no religious affiliation. In fact, both Hindu and Sikh groups support the Conservatives in larger numbers than the national average, where the party enjoys a 20% lead over the incumbent Liberals led by Pierre Poilievre.
However, the Trudeau government appears to be losing support among both Jewish and Muslim communities, especially in the wake of the conflict in Gaza and Rafah last October. Muslims favor the New Democratic Party (NDP) over the Liberals, with 41% support compared to 31%. Conversely, Canada’s Jewish population shows a preference for the Conservatives, with 42% support, nine percent higher than their backing for the Liberals. Notably, Muslims remain the one major religious group where the Conservatives have not captured significant support, garnering only 15%.
The increasing support for the Conservatives among Hindu and Sikh voters reflects the growing demographic presence of these communities in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the Hindu population in the country has more than doubled over the past two decades, reaching approximately 830,000 in 2021. Similarly, the Sikh population has also doubled, numbering around 770,000. Moreover, immigrants from India, comprising nearly 30% of newcomers, play a significant role in shaping electoral dynamics, with Indians representing a substantial proportion of permanent and temporary residents admitted to Canada.
As the Conservative Party strengthens its appeal among diverse religious communities, the political landscape in Canada continues to evolve, setting the stage for a closely contested election next year.
