Sean Fraser
- Born
- 1984 — Nova Scotia
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Sean Fraser worked as a lawyer. He practiced commercial litigation and international dispute resolution. He reportedly worked for the large law firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in Calgary, Alberta. He also has experience in international law, having studied at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Upon becoming a cabinet minister, any significant assets would typically be placed in a blind trust to avoid conflicts of interest, as per federal ethics rules. Public records from the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner may contain further details on his disclosed assets and liabilities.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a senior cabinet minister in the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sean Fraser is a key member of the Liberal Party's leadership team. He has held several high-profile portfolios, including Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and later Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, indicating a significant level of trust from the Prime Minister. In his role, he works closely with provincial and municipal leaders across Canada on major files like housing and immigration. He is also a prominent political figure in Atlantic Canada, representing the interests of his region within the federal government.
Public Controversies
During his time as Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser's department faced significant public criticism over massive backlogs in processing applications for immigration, visas, and citizenship. While the government increased immigration targets to record levels under his leadership, the long wait times and administrative challenges were a source of ongoing controversy and frustration for many applicants. More recently, as Minister of Housing, he was involved in a controversy regarding a government announcement in his own riding. In 2023, he participated in a photo opportunity at a new apartment building that received millions in federal funding. It was later reported by media outlets that the rental prices for units in the building were very high, leading to criticism that the government was subsidizing expensive, market-rate housing rather than creating affordable options.
Where Sean falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
How does Sean Fraser's voting record line up with your values?
C-41, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) and to make related amendments to other Acts moved for leave to introduce Bill.
Mr. Speaker, I disagree with my colleague. As the member is well aware, this bill is designed to attract investment throughout the country in order to create good-paying jobs across the country and strengthen Canada's economic growth for future generations. The House now has an opportunity to advance legislation that will help build a stronger and more competitive economy. It is a shame that the
Mr. Speaker, drug trafficking is a very serious offence that can claim the lives of innocent people in this country. The case to which the hon. member refers is currently under the appeal period, during which the independent Public Prosecution Service of Canada has an opportunity to make a decision, separate and apart from the political arm of government, as to whether it is in the interest of
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her work to advance an important conversation when it comes to mental illness as the sole underlying mental condition that would justify medical assistance in dying in this country. This is a serious conversation. However, I would like to point out one inaccuracy in her question that is very important. Today, there is no access to medical assistance in
Mr. Speaker, those who traffic in serious drugs that create serious harm are committing a crime, and that is the law in Canada today. When it comes to the specific case the member mentioned, it is currently within the period for appeals, which are going to be determined by the independent Public Prosecution Service. As was the case under the previous Conservative government, there is respect on
Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsor of the private member's bill for starting a conversation on a very important issue. I am pleased to share with the Leader of the Opposition that just a few hours ago, I announced that Canada would be moving forward with the exclusion of medical assistance in dying for people who are seeking that on the sole basis of a mental illness. We are going to be moving
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to admit that it was this side of the House that adopted laws that actually made stronger penalties be put in place for serious crimes. Those laws were developed in collaboration with law enforcement, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Every regional police organization not only fed into the process but endorsed the measures that we implemented after the fact.
Mr. Speaker, before I answer, I would like to thank my colleague for this question. It is very important to recognize that we need to implement the new legislation that the House passed during the last parliamentary session. We have put forward a series of different laws that tackle, very specifically, crimes such as arson and violent crimes involving auto theft. We are seeing nationally the
I have a fundamental point of disagreement with your characterization and support of the freedom convoy—
The targeting of someone for political reasons would be completely counter to the principles—
First, I find it interesting that you couch your political objection to this legislation in your support for the freedom convoy. Second, when it comes to the approach I've taken across different bills now, I've sought to be collaborative with members of Parliament from different political parties. It's led to amendments and changes to the laws that are now in effect. I would hope that this
Excellent. I'll endeavour to speak for less than that, given that Gary covered many of the points I intended to make. Before I begin my opening remarks, I think it is essential to point out that there is a strategy to promote public safety across the country. This strategy rests on three pillars. First, strengthening criminal laws. Second, investing to support our borders and those working on
There's a range of different circumstances in which a matter could engage the national interest. This is not an exhaustive list because, of course, facts, technology and the world change more quickly than we could potentially imagine today. You can imagine a crime that may impact multiple provinces. You can imagine an opportunity to engage in international investigations that reach beyond