Last Updated On 13 May 2025, 1:57 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
On May 13, 2025 Lena Metlege Diab is sworn in as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, replacing Rachel Bendayan, as part of a cabinet announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
She succeeds Rachel Bendayan, who held the position since March 2025.
Diab’s appointment marks a significant moment, as her extensive experience in immigration at the provincial level and her personal background as an immigrant make her uniquely suited for this role.
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She was born in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, has been a prominent figure in Canadian politics.
She was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Halifax West in the 2021 federal election, representing the Liberal Party of Canada.
Before her federal role, Diab served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Halifax Armdale in Nova Scotia from 2013 to 2021, during which she held several key portfolios.
In 2013, Diab made history as Nova Scotia’s first female Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
She later became the Minister of Immigration for Nova Scotia, a role she held exclusively from 2015, and was reappointed in 2017 alongside responsibilities for Acadian Affairs and Francophonie.
Her tenure as the minister of immigration saw Nova Scotia welcome more immigrants, strengthen immigration pathways, and launch initiatives to market the province as a diverse and inclusive destination.
Diab’s federal journey began when she decided not to seek re-election in the 2021 Nova Scotia provincial election, instead running for Halifax West in the federal election.
Her transition to federal politics was seamless, and she has since been a vocal advocate for her constituents, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and fairness.
Before entering the political arena, Lena built a robust career as a lawyer and community leader.
She graduated from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science.
She later earned a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Laws, being admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers Society in 1991.
For over two decades, Diab practiced law in Halifax, specializing in various legal domains while also contributing to pro bono initiatives.
Her commitment to community service was evident early on.
She served as the first president of the Multicultural Youth Association and the first female president of the Canadian Lebanon Society, reflecting her deep ties to her Lebanese heritage and her passion for multiculturalism.
Diab’s volunteer work earned her numerous accolades, including the Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) designation, the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce in Nova Scotia Professional Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Diab’s legal and community experience shaped her approach to politics, where she has consistently advocated for policies that support newcomers, promote diversity, and ensure equitable access to opportunities.
Her background as a trilingual lawyer—she speaks English, French, and Arabic—has also made her a strong voice for Francophone and immigrant communities in Canada.
Diab’s personal journey is one of resilience and determination.
Born on August 17, 1965, in Halifax to first-generation Lebanese immigrants, Diab moved to Lebanon at the age of two.
She spent her early childhood in Diman, a small Lebanese village, but returned to Halifax at 11 to escape the Lebanese Civil War.
Arriving in Canada without fluency in English, she faced challenges but quickly adapted, excelling in her studies and eventually pursuing higher education.
Diab is a proud mother of four and a grandmother, balancing her demanding career with her family life.
She had three of her children while attending law school and articling, showcasing her ability to manage multiple responsibilities with grace.
Her personal values are deeply rooted in respect for diversity, inclusion, and fairness—principles that have guided her political career.
Lena’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Canada’s immigration system.
With the Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 targeting 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and stabilizing at 365,000 in 2027, Diab will play a crucial role in balancing economic growth with infrastructure challenges like housing.
Her prior work in Nova Scotia, where she strengthened immigration pathways and promoted diversity, suggests she will continue to prioritize inclusive policies.
Diab is expected to maintain the government’s focus on supporting Francophone immigration, aligning with the goal of the Official Languages Act to restore the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec to 1971 levels.
The 2025 target for French-speaking permanent residents is 7%, rising to 8% in 2026, and Diab’s fluency in French and her past role as Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie position her well to lead these efforts.
Additionally, Diab’s advocacy for racialized newcomer women, demonstrated through her announcement of renewed funding for the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot in 2022, indicates she will likely continue to address barriers to employment and gender-based violence for newcomers.
Her legal background and policy-driven approach may also lead to refinements in permanent residency pathways, work permit policies, and international student programs, which have faced scrutiny in recent years.
Lena Metlege Diab’s appointment as Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and a personal understanding of the immigrant journey to the role.
From her early days as a lawyer and community volunteer to her impactful tenure in provincial and federal politics, Diab has consistently championed diversity, inclusion, and fairness.
As she steps into this new position, stakeholders can expect a balanced, policy-driven approach to immigration that prioritizes economic growth, supports Francophone communities, and addresses the needs of newcomers across Canada.
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