Tim Uppal

Tim Uppal
Born	(1974-11-14) November 14, 1974 New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Occupation(s)	Politician, banker, radio personality
Years active	2000–present
Known for	Member of Parliament for Edmonton Gateway; Minister of State for Democratic Reform; Minister of State for Multiculturalism; Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Party

Tim Singh Uppal (born November 14, 1974) is a Canadian politician, banker, and radio personality who currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Gateway following the 2025 federal election. He previously represented the electoral district of Edmonton—Sherwood Park from 2008 until 2015 as a member of the Conservative Party. On July 15, 2013, Uppal shifted roles from Minister of State for Democratic Reform to Minister of State responsible for Multiculturalism.

When his original riding was dissolved ahead of the 2015 election, Uppal sought election in the newly formed Edmonton Mill Woods riding but was defeated by Liberal candidate Amarjeet Sohi. He reclaimed this seat during the 2019 election and successfully retained it in 2021.

In 2022, Uppal was named Deputy Leader of both the Opposition and the Conservative Party.

Early life

Born in New Westminster, British Columbia on November 14, 1974, Uppal grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. His family, practicing Sikhism, emigrated from Punjab, India. Between 1992 and 1997, he served as executive producer and host for a radio program on Edmonton’s CKER. In 2004, he took on the role of residential mortgage manager at TD Canada Trust. Uppal is the founder and president of the South Edmonton Youth Group and has contributed to the Capital Health Community Health Council since 2001. Additionally, he has been active with the Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and played a role in establishing the Edmonton Police Community Advisory Council.

Member of Parliament

Uppal ran unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Canadian Alliance in Edmonton Southeast during the 2000 and 2004 elections, losing narrowly by less than 5,000 votes and then by just 134 votes respectively. He secured victory in the Edmonton-Sherwood Park riding during the 2008 federal election.

In December 2008, Uppal became a member of both the Standing Committees on Health and Heritage, later serving as acting chair of the Health Committee in 2010.

Abortion

Uppal endorsed Bill C-233 which sought to amend the Criminal Code to prohibit sex-selective abortion.

National Holocaust Monument

The initiative for a Holocaust memorial in Canada began in 2007 through student Laura Grosman’s efforts. Conservative MP Peter Kent initially supported this cause but was unable to sponsor the legislation due to cabinet responsibilities. Positioned advantageously on the order paper, Uppal agreed to sponsor Bill C-442. Inspired by his wife Kiran’s involvement with Ottawa’s March of the Living, Uppal collaborated with Grosman to achieve cross-party support.

Bill C-442 was introduced in 2010 and emphasized that Canada remained the only allied country without a Holocaust monument. The bill passed unanimously and received Royal Assent in March 2011. The National Holocaust Monument was officially unveiled in Ottawa on September 27, 2017.

Minister of State (Democratic Reform)

Appointed Minister of State (Democratic Reform) in 2011, Uppal became notable as the first Sikh wearing a turban to serve in Canada’s Cabinet and one of five Visible Minorities within Prime Minister Harper’s government. His portfolio concentrated on tackling issues related to overpopulated electoral districts and federal riding redistribution. During his tenure, his ministry advanced Bill C-7, which aimed at reforming Senate selection processes and implementing term limits.

Minister of State (Multiculturalism)

In July 2013, after a cabinet reorganization, Uppal was named Minister of State for Multiculturalism, maintaining his position within the federal cabinet.

External links

• Profile at House of Commons of Canada