Lena Metlege Diab: A Proven Leader for Canada’s Immigration Portfolio
On May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West, as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. With a robust background as Nova Scotia’s provincial Minister of Immigration from 2013 to 2021, Diab brings a wealth of experience, a track record of innovative policy, and a personal commitment to diversity that make her an exceptional choice for this critical federal role.
A Trailblazer in Nova Scotia’s Immigration Landscape
Lena Metlege Diab’s tenure as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration was marked by transformative changes that revitalized the province’s approach to attracting and retaining newcomers. During her eight-year stint, she oversaw a period of unprecedented growth in immigration, positioning Nova Scotia as a competitive destination for global talent. Here are some of her key accomplishments:
· Record-Breaking Permanent Resident Nominations:
· Under Diab’s leadership, Nova Scotia significantly increased its nominations through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Her policies led to record numbers of permanent residents, helping address labor shortages in key industries like healthcare, technology, and construction.
· By aligning provincial immigration streams with economic needs, she ensured that newcomers contributed directly to Nova Scotia’s growth, a strategy she emphasized as “crucial” to the province’s economy in 2017.
· Pioneering Express Entry and Entrepreneur Streams:
· Diab was instrumental in introducing innovative immigration pathways, including Express Entry-aligned pilots, making Nova Scotia the first Canadian province to leverage this federal system for provincial nominations.
· She also launched new immigrant entrepreneur streams within the NSNP, encouraging business-minded newcomers to establish ventures in Nova Scotia. These initiatives not only boosted economic activity but also fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
· Streamlining Processes for Efficiency:
· Recognizing the need for modernization, Diab laid the groundwork for streamlined application processes. Her efforts culminated in the development of the Labour Market Priorities Stream and other NSNP enhancements, which prioritized candidates with in-demand skills.
· Her forward-thinking approach aligns with Nova Scotia’s recent move to launch the Labour Market Priorities and Settlement Services (LaMPSS) system in May 2025, a digital platform that integrates NSNP and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) applications for greater efficiency.
· Fostering Diversity and Inclusion:
· As the first woman of Lebanese descent elected to a Canadian legislature, Diab’s personal journey—born in Halifax, raised partly in Lebanon, and returning to Canada during the Lebanese Civil War—shaped her deep commitment to diversity.
· She championed policies that made Nova Scotia a welcoming destination for immigrants from diverse backgrounds, ensuring settlement services supported integration and community building. Her passion for protecting minorities and promoting inclusion earned her praise from organizations like the Canadian Bar Association.
· Proven Expertise in Immigration Policy:
· Unlike many predecessors, Diab is no stranger to the immigration portfolio. Her nearly decade-long tenure as Nova Scotia’s Immigration Minister gives her a granular understanding of both provincial and federal immigration frameworks.
· Her success in aligning immigration with economic priorities—evidenced by Nova Scotia’s population growth from international migration (reaching 1,079,676 by October 2024)—demonstrates her ability to design policies that deliver results.
· Innovative and Forward-Thinking Leadership:
· Diab’s introduction of Express Entry pilots and entrepreneur streams in Nova Scotia showcases her ability to innovate within complex systems. As federal minister, she is well-positioned to modernize Canada’s immigration processes, potentially expanding digital platforms like LaMPSS nationwide to reduce backlogs and enhance user experience for employers and applicants.
· Her experience navigating the Atlantic Immigration Program, an employer-driven initiative, equips her to strengthen partnerships with businesses, a critical need as Canada addresses labor shortages in sectors like healthcare and construction.
· A Personal Connection to the Immigrant Experience:
· Diab’s own story as an immigrant who fled conflict resonates deeply with the millions of newcomers Canada welcomes. Her lived experience fosters empathy and credibility, enabling her to advocate for policies that support refugees and undocumented workers, such as exploring pathways to regularize status—a priority outlined in past ministerial mandates.
· Her commitment to diversity and inclusion, rooted in her Lebanese heritage and professional ethos, ensures she will prioritize equitable access to immigration opportunities, particularly for underrepresented communities.
· Political and Legal Acumen:
· Beyond immigration, Diab served as Nova Scotia’s first female Attorney General and Minister of Justice, demonstrating her ability to handle high-stakes portfolios with legal and political complexity.
· Her background as a lawyer and her reputation for volunteering and community engagement—equip her to navigate the contentious immigration debates, balancing public sentiment with Canada’s humanitarian and economic goals.
