Lena Metlege Diab appointed as Minister of Immigration of Canada

After her work in the Nova Scotia government, Lena Diab will focus on federal immigration during a time of potential reforms and policy shifts.

On May 13, 2025, Canada saw a significant appointment as Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Lena Metlege Diab as the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This decision was part of a major government reshuffle following the Liberal Party's victory in the federal elections.

Diab's Experience and Achievements

Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West, is the first woman of Lebanese descent elected to Canada's legislature. From 2013 to 2021, she led the immigration ministry in Nova Scotia, playing a crucial role in developing the provincial immigration program. Under her leadership, the province nominated a record number of new permanent residents, launched streams for immigrant entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur), and actively participated in pilots aligned with the federal Express Entry system.

Additionally, Diab held positions as Nova Scotia's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, and Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie. She is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, with a legal background and experience in private practice and business.

Sector Response and Challenges for the New Minister

Diab's appointment has been well-received by immigration and education sector representatives. Canadian immigration consultants note that her experience managing migration during Nova Scotia's growth period offers hope for effective leadership at the federal level.

However, experts also highlight the complexity of the task ahead. According to Lori Turnbull from Dalhousie University, "the federal immigration file is one of the most challenging." The Liberals have previously faced criticism for increasing immigration amid lagging housing construction, and now the new minister must balance public expectations with the interests of various stakeholders.

The university community hopes for a more balanced approach to international students. Vinita Gengatharan from Simon Fraser University urged Diab to engage in direct dialogue with higher education institutions and consider regional needs.

Appointment Context

Lena Diab replaces Rachel Bendayan, who served as Immigration Minister for just two months following Mark Miller's dismissal. Carney's new government has formed a compact cabinet of 28 ministers — unlike Justin Trudeau's nearly 40 — and received a mandate to rethink the country's economic and migration strategies.

Diab is expected to implement the new Prime Minister's agenda, which previously stated intentions to: