Canada has a new immigration leader – Lena Metlege Diab. She was recently appointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney after his Liberal Party won the federal election. Diab now takes charge of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), replacing the former minister, Rachel Bendayan.
Why do cabinet changes happen?
Changes in ministers like this are common in Canada after elections. The Prime Minister often updates the team to better match new goals or priorities.
Who is Lena Metlege Diab?
Lena Metlege Diab is not new to immigration work. She served as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration from 2013 to 2021, where she helped bring more newcomers to the province. She introduced new immigration programs, supported small businesses owned by immigrants, and used Express Entry-linked immigration streams to attract skilled workers.
She has broken many barriers. Diab was the first woman of Lebanese descent elected to a legislature in Canada and the first woman to be Nova Scotia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice. She also held other roles, including Minister of Labour and Advanced Education and Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie.
Diab’s background is inspiring.
Born and raised in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, she speaks English, French, and Arabic. She studied commerce and law, and worked as a lawyer and small business owner before joining politics. She is also very active in the Lebanese Canadian community and served as the first female president of the Canadian-Lebanon Society of Halifax.
According to her campaign website, Diab’s values are based on diversity, inclusion, fairness, and teamwork—all important for shaping Canada’s immigration system.
What could change under Prime Minister Mark Carney?
With a new Prime Minister in charge, Canada’s immigration policy may see some shifts. While detailed plans are yet to be announced, Carney has talked about:
- Reducing Canada’s total immigration levels to make them more sustainable
- Encouraging more economic immigration to support the workforce
- Raising the number of French-speaking immigrants
- Decreasing the number of temporary residents, like students and short-term workers
These priorities suggest that the government might focus more on long-term permanent immigration and put some limits on temporary visas.
Why immigration matters so much in Canada
Immigration is one of Canada’s most powerful tools for economic growth and population increase. In fact, almost 100% of Canada’s labour force and population growth now comes from newcomers. That’s why the immigration minister’s role is so important—it affects workers, students, families, and employers across the country.
The immigration department also has the power to make temporary policy changes without waiting for Parliament to approve. For example, it can change work permit rules or adjust how many hours international students can work. This gives the minister a lot of flexibility to respond quickly to changes in the job market or the economy.
Who is the new immigration minister of Canada?
The new minister is Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West. She replaced Rachel Bendayan and now leads Canada’s immigration department (IRCC).
What is Lena Metlege Diab’s experience with immigration?
She was Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration for eight years and played a key role in bringing more newcomers to the province through innovative programs.
What language does Diab speak?
She is trilingual – she speaks English, French, and Arabic.
What might change with Canada’s immigration under Prime Minister Mark Carney?
While details are still coming, Carney has suggested he wants to lower immigration levels, increase skilled economic immigration, and reduce temporary visa use, especially for short-term workers and international students.
Why is immigration so important for Canada?
Immigration helps fill job gaps, supports economic growth, and drives population growth. Without immigrants, Canada’s workforce and economy would struggle to grow.
Can the immigration minister change policies without Parliament?
Yes. The minister can make temporary policy decisions, such as adjusting work permit rules or student work hours, without going through Parliament.
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.