Ahmed Hussen
- Born
- 1976 — Mogadishu, Somalia
- Family
- Married to Ebyan Farah, three sons
- Education
- BA in History, York University (2002); Law degree, University of Ottawa (2012)
- Career
- Lawyer specializing in immigration and criminal law; Assistant to Ontario Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty; Regent Park Community Council founder; National president of the Canadian Somali Congress (CSC)
- Political Experience
- Minister of International Development (2023-2025); Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion (2021-2023); Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (2019-2021); Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (2017-2019); MP for York South—Weston—Etobicoke (since 2025)
- Property
- Rental property in Ottawa
- Notable
- First Somali-Canadian to be elected to the House of Commons and to hold a federal Cabinet position; Refugee to Canada
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Ahmed Hussen practiced law, specializing in criminal defence, immigration and refugee law. He was also a community advocate and served as the National President of the Canadian Somali Congress. According to his public disclosures to the Ethics Commissioner, his declared assets include his primary residence and various publicly traded securities and investment funds.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a long-serving cabinet minister under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Hussen is considered a senior member of the Liberal government. He has held several major portfolios, including Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion. His work as the former National President of the Canadian Somali Congress also established significant connections within that community and with various advocacy groups.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2023, the federal Ethics Commissioner ruled that Ahmed Hussen contravened the Conflict of Interest Act. The investigation found that as Minister of Housing, his office awarded a contract to a communications firm co-founded by the sister of one of his senior staff members. The Commissioner's report concluded that Hussen had given his staffer's sister preferential treatment. Hussen publicly stated that he accepted the findings and took responsibility for the administrative errors made by his office.
Public Controversies
Ahmed Hussen has been involved in several public controversies. In 2021, he apologized to Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman after she and others accused him of making an antisemitic trope by linking her support for Israel to fundraising. Hussen stated his comments were not intended to be antisemitic. As Minister of Housing, he and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) faced criticism over spending on a 'speakers' series' that featured partisan figures. There have also been media reports and opposition questions regarding his ministerial travel expenses.
Where Ahmed falls on key policy spectrums
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How does Ahmed Hussen's voting record line up with your values?
C-219 Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development concerning Bill, an act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Special Economic Measures Act and the Broadcasting
S-227 Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank all members of the House for passing Bill, an act respecting Arab heritage month. This is an important bill for the community and for Canada, and I really want to express my sincere gratitude to all colleagues for supporting Bill S-227.