On January 21, students at UTM gathered for a panel hosted by the UTM Young Liberals club. Elected officials addressed youth political participation, and responded to student concerns about immigration delays affecting Palestinian students.

The event brought together MP Amandeep Sodhi, MP Fares Al Soud, and MP Iqra Khalid, alongside Liberal Party of Ontario Chair Qasir Dar. The discussion focused on pathways into political leadership, representation in government, and the role students can play in shaping policy.

A place for Palestinian students

During the question period, a first-year UTM student said many Palestinian students remain stranded in conflict zones despite holding university offers.

“There are students like us that got into U of T competitive programs, but are not sitting here next to us today,” the student said. “The only reason is IRCC [Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada].”

The student referenced the Palestinian Students and Scholars at Risk Network (PSSAR), a nonprofit organization assisting Palestinian students with visa and biometric documentation, and urged federal representatives to consider alternative approaches used by other countries.

In response, Al Soud — a Palestinian-Canadian — and Khalid said the issue is one they have been personally involved in. Khalid noted that approximately 130 students are affected, including some currently in Gaza, and said she has met directly with PSSAR and impacted students.

“This is something that I’m very, very regularly following up on,” Al-Soud said. “I have a call with IRCC tomorrow specifically on it.” Khalid added that the issue has been raised with federal ministers and the Prime Minister. 

Youth engagement in politics

Al Soud also emphasized the importance of youth participation in political spaces, arguing that student perspectives play a role in shaping present-day policy discussions. “Youth are not just the future, they’re the present,” he said.

Khalid spoke about the pressure young people face as they navigate politics during uncertain times. “A little anxiety is important,” she said. “In order for change to happen, you have to feel uncomfortable.”

Dar encouraged students to get involved early, saying the party is in a period of change with the upcoming leadership race following Bonnie Crombie’s resignation. Early participation, Dar said, could give students greater influence.

The panel also highlighted barriers young people face when entering politics. As the youngest MP on the panel, Sodhi said age can discourage students from seeking leadership roles. “Our age often holds us back … but I see it as a strength rather than a deterrent,” Sodhi said. 

Several students told The Varsity that the discussion helped make political spaces feel more accessible. “Politics itself requires guts and confidence, which can lead to anxiety,” said second-year political science student Madelynne McBride, “The event itself didn’t erase nerves, however, gave a sense as to those feelings being normal and [that] it’s important to keep pushing forward.”

Organizing on campus

Behind the scenes, student organizers said the event required weeks of planning and coordination. Zara Razi, the organizational officer for the UTM Young Liberals, said securing a venue proved challenging despite the club’s official recognition status.

She said the club was initially planning to use a smaller lecture room, but due to higher than expected interest, organizers decided to pursue a larger conference space just days before the panel. Razi estimated that approximately 45 students attended the panel.

UTM Young Liberals president Aanchal Kapoor said the event reflected months of outreach and long-term relationship-building with MPs and their staff. “I think the biggest challenge is always ensuring that all MP’s and Dar’s timings align,” Aanchal said. “It’s a busy time, it’s a new session and it’s a new year.” 

First-year student Mekayel Omier, the club’s membership officer, said volunteering remains one of the most accessible pathways into political involvement. 

“I started in January 2025, that was my first political involvement,” Omier said.“I saw a video of Dar’s candidacy for Mississauga–Erin Mills, which is my local riding, and there was a campaign launch party. So I attended that, and…met a bunch of people I liked, so I started volunteering, canvassing, and working at the grassroots level.

​​Omier added that volunteering helped him build confidence. “It was scary for me as well when I started originally, because I didn’t have that confidence,” Omier said. “But no one shames you for being new, you actually get appreciated for it, because you have that courage and bravery to start doing stuff.”

The UTM Young Liberals said the event is the first of several planned activities this academic year, with more panels and collaborations expected in the coming months.