Lena Metlege Diab is a distinguished Canadian politician, lawyer, and community leader currently serving as the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. She has been the Member of Parliament for Halifax West since September 20, 2021, and was appointed to her ministerial role on May 13, 2025, under Prime Minister Mark Carney .Nova Scotia Legislature+11Immigration News Canada+11Wikipedia+11Lena Metlege Diab+2Wikipedia+2Immigration News Canada+2
🏛️ Political Career
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Federal Politics: Elected as the first female MP for Halifax West in 2021, Diab brought her extensive provincial experience to the national stage. In May 2025, she was appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, where her legal background and policy-driven approach are expected to influence Canada's immigration policies .Lena Metlege DiabImmigration News Canada
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Provincial Politics: Diab served as the MLA for Halifax Armdale from 2013 to 2021. She held several ministerial positions in Nova Scotia, including Minister of Justice (becoming the first woman and first Lebanese Canadian in that role), Minister of Immigration, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, and Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie .Wikipedia+4LinkedIn+4Nova Scotia Legislature+4Wikipedia
🎓 Education & Legal Career
Born in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, Diab spent part of her childhood in Lebanon before returning to Canada at age 11. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science from Saint Mary's University in 1985, followed by a Master of Public Administration (1987) and a Bachelor of Laws (1990) from Dalhousie University. Before entering politics, she practiced law and operated a small business in Halifax .Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Liberal Party of Canada+2
🌟 Community Involvement & Recognition
Diab is a dedicated community volunteer, having served seven terms as the first female President of the Canadian-Lebanon Society of Halifax. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the "Outstanding Professional of the Year" from the Canadian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2010), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013), and the Nova Scotia Provincial Volunteer Award (2013) .Liberal Party of Canada+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia
👨👩👧 Personal Life
Residing in Halifax, Diab is a mother of four children who are active in local sports and community organizations. Her personal experiences as the daughter of immigrants and a community leader inform her compassionate approach to public service
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