Canada has a new Immigration Minister in Lena Metlege Diab

Following the recent federal election victory by the Liberal Party, Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has appointed a new Minister of Immigration.

Lena Metlege Diab, the Member of Parliament for Halifax West, has taken over the role of Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), succeeding Rachel Bendayan. Diab now leads the department responsible for immigration and refugee matters in Canada.

Cabinet reshuffles like this are a common occurrence after elections, allowing the Prime Minister to adjust the leadership team to reflect new priorities, performance assessments, or policy directions. The previous major cabinet change happened in March 2025, when Rachel Bendayan replaced Marc Miller as Immigration Minister.

About Lena Metlege Diab

Diab brings extensive legal and political experience to her new federal role. She previously served as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration from 2013 to 2021. She made history as the first woman of Lebanese descent elected to a Canadian legislature and the first woman to serve as both Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Nova Scotia.

In addition to her immigration portfolio, she also held roles as Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, and Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

Born in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, Diab is fluent in English, French, and Arabic. She holds degrees in commerce and law from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University. Before entering politics, she practiced law and ran a small business in Halifax. She has also been a prominent figure in the Lebanese Canadian community, serving seven terms as president of the Canadian-Lebanon Society of Halifax—the first woman to hold that position.

The Significance of Immigration in Canada

Immigration remains a cornerstone of Canada’s economic and demographic strategy. It is essential for addressing labour shortages and is the primary driver of population growth—currently accounting for nearly all of Canada’s labour force and population increases.

Given its importance, immigration policy is frequently the subject of political debate and media attention. The immigration department also holds broad discretionary powers, enabling it to implement impactful public policies. These can include changes to work permit rules or adjustments to international student work limits, which can significantly affect workers, students, families, and employers across the country.