A three-time Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Scarborough-Rouge Park, Vijay Thanigasalam made history in 2018 as the first Tamil MPP in Ontario’s legislature. His re-election in 2022 with overwhelming support further cemented his reputation as a trusted and influential leader.
Over the years, he has taken on increasingly significant roles, serving as:
- Associate Minister of Transportation (2023)
- Associate Minister of Housing (2024)
- Now, Associate Minister of Mental Health (2025)
Vijay Thanigasalam’s deep-rooted Tamil heritage is an integral part of his leadership. In a historic moment, he took his oath of office on the revered Thirukkural, becoming the first Tamil politician outside South Asia to do so. This act symbolized his respect for Tamil philosophy and his dedication to justice and moral governance.
The Thirukkural is a classic Tamil literature from the Sangam period consisting of 1330 couplets known as ‘Kurals.’ It is considered one of the most significant pieces of literature written on secular ethics, written by Thiruvalluvar, dating back to 450-500 CE. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/o6lqb5sqkw
— Vijay Thanigasalam (@TheThanigasalam) June 24, 2022
His passion for social justice led to the introduction of the Tamil Genocide Awareness Week Act (2021) ; a groundbreaking legislation recognising the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka. This made Ontario the first region in the Tamil diaspora to officially acknowledge this historical injustice.
Beyond advocacy, he has played a pivotal role in uplifting the Tamil community, including:
- Leading the establishment of a Tamil Community Centre with modern facilities.
- Securing nearly $12 million in funding to support Tamil initiatives.
- Strengthening cultural representation and identity in Ontario’s policies.
His visionary leadership and tireless efforts have brought tangible improvements to both his constituency and the entire province.
Source / Image Credit : Tamilwin, Vijay Thanigasalam