Lena Metlege Diab Appointed as Canada’s New Immigration Minister

Following the recent federal election and the formation of a new Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Lena Metlege Diab has been named Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Diab, the Member of Parliament for Halifax West, officially succeeds Rachel Bendayan in the role.

The appointment marks a significant moment in Canadian immigration leadership, as Diab brings with her over a decade of political and legal experience, particularly in immigration policy.

A Seasoned Voice in Immigration

Diab previously served as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration from 2013 to 2021, where she spearheaded initiatives that helped modernize and expand the province’s immigration pathways. Her tenure saw the introduction of Express Entry-aligned streams, immigrant entrepreneur pilots, and record levels of nominations for permanent residency.

In addition to her immigration portfolio, Diab also served as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, as well as Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. A proud daughter of Lebanese immigrants, she is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, and is widely recognized for her work within the Lebanese Canadian community.

Before entering politics, Diab worked as a lawyer and small business owner in Halifax. Her appointment as Minister reflects not only her deep-rooted connection to Canada’s immigration story but also her ongoing commitment to values of diversity, inclusion, and fairness.

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A New Era Under Prime Minister Mark Carney

With Mark Carney assuming the role of Prime Minister, Canada’s immigration landscape is expected to evolve. While ministerial mandate letters have yet to be released, Carney has previously voiced support for recalibrating Canada’s immigration strategy.

This includes:

• Reducing temporary resident numbers;
• Scaling permanent immigration to sustainable levels;
• Enhancing pathways for francophone immigrants; and
• Prioritizing economic-class immigration to address labour shortages.

Diab’s federal appointment signals a commitment to balancing long-term population growth with more targeted immigration policy and better integration outcomes.

The Strategic Importance of the Immigration File

Immigration remains one of the most powerful tools in Canada’s economic and demographic policy arsenal. Nearly 100% of Canada’s current labour force and population growth stems from immigration. As such, the Immigration Minister holds significant authority in shaping public policy, often with sweeping powers to introduce or amend regulations without requiring parliamentary approval.

Policies around international student work limits, work permit eligibility, and public immigration pilots can be swiftly implemented at the minister’s discretion, making the portfolio both powerful and politically sensitive.

What’s Next?

With Lena Metlege Diab now at the helm of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), stakeholders across the immigration spectrum—from international students to employers and settlement agencies—will be closely watching for policy signals and strategic shifts in the coming weeks.

Her track record suggests a data-driven, community-informed approach. Observers expect her to play a critical role in shaping next multi-year Canada immigration levels plan and ensuring alignment between economic goals and public confidence in immigration.

CIC Times will continue to provide in-depth coverage and analysis as more details about the government’s immigration priorities emerge.

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