Ali Ehsassi
- Born
- April 24, 1970 — Geneva, Switzerland
- Education
- BA, University of Toronto; MSc, London School of Economics; LLB, York University Osgoode Hall Law School; Masters of International Trade and Arbitration Law, Georgetown University Law School
- Political Experience
- Liberal Member of Parliament for Willowdale since 2015; Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement (March 14, 2025 – May 13, 2025); Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (2025)
- Notable
- One of the first two Canadians of Iranian heritage elected to federal Parliament; Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and other Crimes against Humanity; Co-Chair of the 416 Caucus; Opposes the Iranian government.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Ali Ehsassi had a career as a lawyer and a public servant. He reportedly worked as a lawyer in both the private and public sectors. His public service career included positions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs Canada) and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. This background provided him with experience in international law, trade, and diplomacy.
Key Relationships & Connections
Ali Ehsassi has been publicly associated with former Justice Minister and human rights advocate Irwin Cotler. They have reportedly worked together on various human rights files, particularly concerning Iran. As a Member of Parliament, he also works closely with other members of the Liberal caucus and has served as Chair of parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which involves relationships with legal experts and civil society organizations.
Public Controversies
Ali Ehsassi has faced public criticism from some members of the Iranian-Canadian community regarding his and the Liberal government's stance on the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2023, he was criticized for voting against a Conservative motion to immediately list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Ehsassi defended his vote, stating that the government was already using other powerful tools and sanctions against the IRGC and that the issue was complex. The debate highlighted divisions within the community on the most effective approach to dealing with the Iranian regime.
Where Ali falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Ali Ehsassi won with 25,488 votes (53.4%)
Total votes cast: 47,689
How does Ali Ehsassi's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, I would like to present petition e-7172, which has been signed by no fewer than 13,198 Canadians across the country. The petitioners call upon the government to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of the structure, governance, practices, legal status, funding sources and activities of the Iranian Canadian Congress. It is an organization that has made no attempt to gauge
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the witnesses for being here today. Mr. Mantle cited a USTR report. He's trying to paint a picture that Canada is a laggard. As I understand it, that USTR report explicitly looked at practices in over 60 countries. Am I correct in that assumption?
C-35 I understand that, for Bill, there are going to be comprehensive consultations this summer, where stakeholders and interested parties can come forward to make sure that Bill C-35 is strengthened. Am I correct in that?
Thank you. That's been very helpful.
C-35 Would it be fair to say, in the event that Billis adopted, that we would be at the forefront and that this would create a more robust system than exists even in the U.S. and in Europe?
Would it be fair to say that there's quite a bit of information sharing that's going on between our authorities and the Americans, as well as Europeans?
Absolutely. That's my understanding as well. Thank you for clarifying that. C-35 I note, as was suggested in the opening remarks, that we have two pieces of legislation. Now we're proceeding with Billto ensure that we're at the forefront of this. This is obviously a very challenging issue for countries around the world to deal with. It's complex, but of course there's the moral imperative as