Though his ancestors lived in Palung, Makwanpur district, ANIL THAPA was born and raised in Birgunj, Nepal. An aviation enthusiast, he completed his aviation degree from Ukraine in 1995. He worked as a helicopter pilot in Nepal till 2001. In 2001, he moved to the US with his wife and came to Canada in January 2005 with his wife and two daughters. He owns or is a partner in a number of businesses including Real Estate, Restaurant, Bar, Banquet Hall, Farmlands, IT, Media House and Event Management. He also works as an Immigration advisor. Currently, he is a candidate applicant of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) for Windsor West and looks forward to getting nominated and win the federal election in October 2025. THAPA spoke to NEPAL LIVE TODAY on his life journey and his parleys in Canadian politics.
What inspired you, as an immigrant from Nepal, to pursue a political career in Canada, and why did you choose the Conservative party?
As an immigrant, it has been challenging to establish our identity, especially coming from one of the least developing countries. The South Asian communities are a visible minority in Canada, and representation from ethnic or visible minorities in Parliament is less than 10%, which is very low compared to other professions. Additionally, while the Nepalese community is vibrant and growing, it remains small and often invisible in Canada. I have been striving to establish our Nepali identity among the broader Canadian population, many of whom are unaware of Nepal and its achievements. We frequently find ourselves educating others about our rich culture, language, arts, religion, and sovereignty. As we all know, in Canada, the three main national political parties are the Conservative Party, Liberal Party, and New Democratic Party (NDP). Each party operates on a membership-based system, with distinct voting bases. However, swing voters often play a crucial role in determining the government. Historically, the Conservative Party was viewed as an exclusive “White Club,” but they have since recognized the importance of engaging with ethnic communities. As Canada is a nation built by immigrants, the Conservative Party has opened its platform to include minority and ethnic groups. The Liberal Party operates under the misconception that all immigrants are automatically their supporters, based on their efforts to allow immigrants, especially refugees, to settle in Canada. However, there are concerns that the resettlement program, particularly for those whose security has not been thoroughly vetted, has led to an increase in criminal activity. The NDP, as a socialist party, traditionally relies on unions and sees struggling people or workers as their core voting base. As a result, they tend not to focus on immigrant or smaller communities. Many immigrants, like me, are motivated to pursue political careers to positively impact their new communities, advocate for fellow immigrants, and contribute to the country’s growth.
As someone from Nepal, my journey to Canada has been filled with both challenges and opportunities, inspiring me to give back and ensure a better future for others. Personally, my beliefs and experiences align more closely with the values and policies of the Conservative Party, particularly regarding fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and strong national defense. I believe the Conservative Party’s stance on various social, economic, and political issues best represents the interests of Canadians. In addition, I have been receiving regular mentorship from the Conservative Party, which has encouraged me to join and pursue a political career within the party.
How do you plan to represent the interests of the Nepali community and other immigrant groups within your constituency if elected?
My first priority is to establish a stronger bilateral relationship between Nepal and Canada, starting with opening a Visa and Trade Office in Kathmandu. Representing the interests of the Nepali community, as well as other immigrant groups, will be a key responsibility. I will focus on community engagement by holding town hall meetings, community forums, and cultural events to actively listen to the concerns and suggestions of these communities. This will help me remain connected and responsive to their needs. I will advocate for policies that address the specific challenges faced by immigrants, such as improving access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and affordable housing. Additionally, I aim to promote and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Nepali community and other immigrant groups by supporting cultural festivals, language preservation programs, and educational initiatives that highlight their contributions. Collaboration will be essential, and I will partner with local immigrant and multicultural organizations to better understand issues and work on solutions. These organizations can offer valuable insights and resources to help me effectively represent the constituents. I also plan to establish mentorship and support programs to help new immigrants integrate into the community. This can include job training, language classes, and networking opportunities to ensure their success. Another key focus will be combating discrimination and promoting diversity and inclusion within the constituency. I will create awareness campaigns and support anti-discrimination legislation to foster a more inclusive community. By implementing these strategies, I believe I can effectively represent the interests of the Nepali community and other immigrant groups, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
What are the key issues you aim to address at the provincial level, particularly those that affect immigrant communities in Ontario?
If elected, I will partner with the local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and the municipal government to bring support from the federal government on key issues, particularly those affecting immigrant communities. This collaboration is essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, with additional backing provided by the Province of Ontario.
How do you balance maintaining your Nepali heritage while advocating for the integration of diverse communities within the broader Canadian society?
Balancing the preservation of Nepali heritage while advocating for the integration of diverse communities is a meaningful and enriching endeavor. One example would be organizing and participating in cultural events that showcase Nepali traditions, such as music, dance, and cuisine. This not only helps preserve our heritage but also educates others about Nepali culture. Additionally, I believe in supporting initiatives that celebrate the diversity of all communities is essential. This can include multicultural festivals, art exhibitions, and community projects that highlight various cultures, fostering understanding and unity among different groups.
What challenges have you faced as an immigrant in Canadian politics, and how have these experiences shaped your political views?
As an immigrant, navigating Canadian politics has come with unique challenges, but these experiences often shape a more inclusive and empathetic political perspective. Adapting to a new cultural and political environment, along with overcoming language barriers, can be daunting. Underrepresentation, discrimination, and the struggle to build trust and visibility in political spaces are also significant hurdles. However, it is time to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. These challenges often lead to a more community-focused, inclusive, and empathetic approach to politics. There is a critical need for policies that support integration, celebrate diversity, and ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
If elected, what long-term vision do you have for your constituency, and how do you plan to contribute to the broader goals of the Conservative party in Ontario?
If elected from Windsor West, a border city to Detroit, Michigan, USA, I have a clear long-term vision for our constituency that is essential for driving meaningful change and progress. Border security and criminal activity are high-priority concerns, so hiring more CBSA staff and addressing the challenges faced by cross-border logistics, especially for long-haul trucks, is crucial. Windsor has been facing these issues for a long time, and I plan to establish hi-tech screening equipment at the border to help streamline traffic at the bridges. My focus is to thrive the local economy by supporting small businesses, attracting new investments, and promoting job training programs to equip residents with the skills needed for the modern workforce. Ensuring that all residents have ample job opportunities will be a key priority. I will also advocate for high-quality education for every child, ensuring access to resources that prepare them for future success. This includes pushing for funding to improve local schools, supporting teacher development, and implementing programs that address the diverse needs of students, including those from immigrant backgrounds. Another major priority is providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services for all constituents. Affordable housing will also be a key focus, ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable homes. Creating a safe and welcoming environment for all residents will be my another core objective. By concentrating on these key areas, I aim to create a lasting, positive impact on Windsor West while contributing to the broader goals of the Conservative Party.
Could you tell us your motivation in establishing Namaste Radio in Toronto and how you have been able to sustain the radio till now?
After moving to Canada in 2005 from the USA, I found that many Canadians were either misguided or unaware of Nepal. Some thought it was a part of India, while others had no knowledge of it at all—until we began educating them. This motivated me to establish a media platform that would both educate and entertain the community. On August 6th, 2005, Namaste Radio (Voice of the Nepali Speaking Communities) went on air. The establishment of Namaste Radio in Toronto was driven by the desire to build a platform that connects the Nepali community, preserves our cultural heritage, and provides a voice for immigrants.
As the President of NRNA NCC Canada from 2013 to 2015, you played a leading role in mobilising support from Canada to help and support earthquake survivors in Nepal. Could you recall your experience?
Reflecting on my experience as the President of NRNA NCC Canada during the 2013-2015 period, especially in the aftermath of the deadly and disastrous earthquake in Nepal, has brought back many powerful memories. As a newly established, yet often invisible, community in Canada and a leader of the national organization of the Nepalese Diaspora, I believe that while individual achievements are personal gains, a strong community presence is crucial for visibility in this diverse country. I have always encouraged everyone to join me in my vision of strengthening the community through a cooperative approach. I worked diligently to connect Nepalese across Canada and local organizations under the umbrella of NRNA Canada. To achieve this, I traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast to meet with the local community, listen to their voices, and address their concerns. I also believe that when a country and its people face dire situations, it is our responsibility as expatriates to serve their needs. During the devastating situation in Nepal, I had the opportunity to make a significant impact by educating Canadians and the Canadian government about Nepal. With the help of my team, I was able to address urgent needs, including lobbying with the Canadian government to expedite immigration cases and visas for our loved ones. I also advocated for bringing farmers from the earthquake’s epicenter to Canada to work and support their resettlement. During this difficult period, NRNA Canada coordinated relief efforts and mobilized resources quickly. We organized meetings, communicated with community leaders, and established a framework for collecting and distributing aid. We formed partnerships with Canadian NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations to maximize the impact of our relief efforts. The Nepali community in Canada actively participated in these efforts by organizing community meetings, fundraising drives, and awareness campaigns to engage as many people as possible. Our focus was not only on ensuring that collected resources were used effectively but also on coordinating with NRNA teams on the ground in Nepal to guarantee the fair and efficient distribution of aid. We maintained constant communication with local teams in Nepal, providing support and guidance to ensure that aid reached the earthquake survivors effectively. Through my leadership, I have been able to leave a lasting impact, inspiring others in the community to take on leadership roles and continue supporting Nepal in various capacities.
What has been your motto or belief ? How supportive are you family in your socio-political journey?
My motto or believe is that; first you have to be a strong, either physical, mental or financial then you can make the community strong and later nations too. I followed my thought and get sufficient strong in businesses then I moved to serve the community as a Social worker or activist to promote and preserve the Nepali culture, arts, language and heritage. I was involved in several non-profit organizations including NRNA Canada as the National President from 2013 to 2015.
After completing my tenure as President of NRNA Canada, I continued to engage in community building and became more vocal on issues impacting our lives. I have raised several concerns with the Canadian government, including the tragic killing of Nepali security guards in Kabul by the Taliban, the need for a Canadian Visa and Trade office in Kathmandu, enhancing bilateral business and diplomatic relations between Nepal and Canada, and honoring Canadians who have positively impacted Nepalese lives, such as mountaineers, vloggers, journalists, politicians, and businesspeople. I have also worked closely with the Nepalese embassy to establish a Parliamentarians group and explore the sister city concept to adapt Canadian policies for the benefit of Nepal. Most importantly, I hold family values in high regard. I have a beautiful wife, Jyotsana, and two daughters who are currently in university. All of them are very supportive of my social and political endeavors. I cherish spending quality time with them.
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