In a significant development for Canadian immigration policy, Lena Metlege Diab has been appointed as the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly formed cabinet. Diab takes over the IRCC portfolio at a time of transformative immigration policy shifts and global mobility challenges, bringing a wealth of legal, political, and lived experience to the role.
A Trailblazer With Deep Roots in Immigration
Born in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, Lena Metlege Diab’s personal and professional journey mirrors the very fabric of Canada’s multicultural promise. Though she spent part of her childhood in Lebanon, she returned to Nova Scotia during the Lebanese civil war and went on to build a legal career and run her own small business. Her firsthand understanding of displacement and integration gives her a unique, empathetic lens on immigration issues.
Before entering federal politics, Diab served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Nova Scotia from 2013 to 2021. During her tenure, she held several provincial cabinet positions, including Minister of Immigration — experience that is particularly relevant as she now assumes the federal portfolio. She was also Nova Scotia’s first female Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
From Justice Committee Chair to Immigration Minister
Diab was elected as the Member of Parliament for Halifax West in 2021, becoming the first woman to hold that position. While she has not previously served as a parliamentary secretary, her role as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights gave her a strong national platform and demonstrated her commitment to principles of fairness, diversity, and inclusion — values closely aligned with Canada’s immigration framework.
Despite endorsing Chrystia Freeland in the Liberal leadership race, Diab’s appointment by Prime Minister Carney signals a deliberate choice to prioritize experience and capability over political alignment. Her record speaks for itself: over two decades as a practicing lawyer, active community leadership, and a legacy of breaking barriers as a woman of colour in Canadian politics.
What Her Appointment Means for Immigration Policy
With Diab at the helm of the IRCC, the department is likely to see a continued emphasis on:
-
Family reunification and humanitarian immigration pathways.
-
Provincial collaboration, given her strong ties to Nova Scotia’s government and regional immigration policy.
-
Multilingual accessibility and cultural sensitivity, thanks to her fluency in English, French, and Arabic.
-
Labour mobility, especially in alignment with Canada’s economic recovery strategy and rural immigration initiatives.
As Canada continues to navigate post-pandemic immigration targets, integrate growing numbers of international students and temporary workers, and respond to global humanitarian crises, Lena Metlege Diab’s leadership will be closely watched by advocates, newcomers, and policymakers alike.
A Minister to Watch
Beyond politics, Diab is a proud mother of four and grandmother of four, deeply rooted in family and community. Her decades of advocacy, legal expertise, and immigrant heritage position her to serve not only as a policymaker but also as a bridge-builder at a critical juncture for Canada’s immigration landscape.
As her tenure begins, stakeholders across the legal, business, and immigrant communities will be anticipating new initiatives and a possible fresh direction for Canadian immigration under her leadership.
