Lena Metlege Diab
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Lena Metlege Diab had a long career in law. She was the owner and managing partner of a private law firm in Halifax for over 20 years. She also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. Her political career began at the provincial level in Nova Scotia, where she was first elected in 2013. She held several high-profile cabinet positions in the provincial government, including Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Minister of Immigration, and Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.
Key Relationships & Connections
During her time in Nova Scotia provincial politics, Lena Metlege Diab served as a cabinet minister under two Liberal Premiers, Stephen McNeil and Iain Rankin. These roles placed her in the inner circle of the provincial government for eight years.
Public Controversies
While serving as Nova Scotia's Minister of Justice in 2017, Diab faced criticism over a government legal brief filed in a case involving the Sipekne’katik First Nation and the Alton Gas project. The brief argued the province had a limited duty to consult and used language that described the Mi'kmaq as a "conquered people." The argument was widely condemned as racist and offensive. Diab later apologized on behalf of the government for the "hurtful and divisive" language, and the brief was withdrawn from court.
Where Lena Metlege falls on key policy spectrums
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People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
How does Lena Metlege Diab's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, I do want to wish the colleague a very happy July and August, wherever she is with her family. Perhaps in the fall she will come back with a bit of a better spirit. We have continuously said that no one can commit a crime with impunity. Serious crimes deserve serious consequences. There is nothing in the immigration law that does not allow that. In fact, public safety and law
Mr. Speaker, we all know that anyone who commits a crime in this country, regardless of their immigration status, be it Canadian or not, is treated according to the law, to the fullest extent of the law. Judges make decisions. There is absolutely nothing in the immigration law that allows for sentences to be discounted. As I stand here today, let me wish everybody a very happy Canada Day as we
Mr. Speaker, that colleague has asked that question a number of times, and it has been answered. Let me tell him what Canadians do want to know. Canadians know that the government is focused on building a stronger economy to responsibly manage migration. We have tightened our processes, and the latest numbers prove it: the temporary resident population is down 73%; asylum claims are down 63%;
Mr. Speaker, I have good news. Here is what Canadians need to know. Our plan for responsible, sustainable immigration is working. The non-permanent resident population has declined. We are focused on attracting skilled talent, like health care workers, construction workers, researchers and engineers. The numbers do not lie. Our plan is working.
Mr. Speaker, I have been clear. Just because someone has a Canadian ancestor, this does not mean they are automatically eligible for citizenship. They must definitively prove their link to Canada at each and every generation. Genealogy websites are not enough. My job is to safeguard the integrity of our citizenship program, and I will do everything necessary to protect that.