Vijay Thanigasalam
Scarborough-Rouge Park

Biography....

Vijay Thanigasalam’s journey from a war-torn childhood to a key role in Ontario’s government is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to public service.

• Historic Cabinet Appointment – In 2024, Thanigasalam became the first Tamil-Canadian to serve in the Ontario provincial cabinet as the Associate Minister of Housing.
• Early Life & Immigration – Born in Sri Lanka, he fled the civil war with his family, lived in India, and later immigrated to Canada at 14.
• Education & Banking Career – Studied at the University of Toronto Scarborough and Ontario Tech University, later working at CIBC and RBC.
• Entry into Politics (2018) – Elected as the MPP for Scarborough—Rouge Park under the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party.
• Support for Scarborough Transit – Advocated for and secured funding for the Scarborough Subway Extension, currently under construction.
• Tamil Community Advocacy – Secured funding for a Tamil Community Centre in Scarborough, which has the highest Tamil-Canadian population in Canada.
• Healthcare Expansion in Scarborough – Played a role in the Ontario government’s $1 billion plan to redevelop hospitals in Scarborough, including Centenary and Birchmount.
• One Fare Program (2024) – Led the implementation of the Ontario One Fare Program, eliminating double fares between the TTC and regional transit agencies, saving riders up to $1,600 per year.
• Tamil Genocide Education Week Act (Bill 104) – Introduced and passed legislation in 2021, making Ontario the first government to officially recognize the Tamil Genocide.
• 2025 Election Bid – Acclaimed as the PC Party candidate for Scarborough—Rouge Park in the upcoming 2025 Ontario general election, set for February 27.