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Lena Diab

Lena Metlege Diab is a Canadian politician, lawyer, and former small business owner from Nova Scotia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lena Metlege Diab is a Canadian politician, lawyer, and former small business owner from Nova Scotia. She has served as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Halifax West since 2021 and has been Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship since 2025. Before entering federal politics, she was a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 2013 to 2021 and held several provincial cabinet posts.

Early life and career

Diab was born in Halifax and later worked as a lawyer and small business owner. Before entering elected politics, she also served on adjudicative boards and was active in volunteer and community work.

Provincial political career

She was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2013 and re-elected in 2017. During her time in provincial politics, she held cabinet portfolios including Justice, Labour and Advanced Education, Immigration, and Acadian Affairs and Francophonie.

Federal political career

Diab was first elected as MP for Halifax West in 2021 and returned to Parliament after the 2025 federal election. She was then appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Public roles and recognition

Diab has been recognized for legal and community service, including honours linked to professional and public engagement. Her career has also been noted for representation of Lebanese-Canadian and Francophone communities.

Key facts

  • Elected to the House of Commons for Halifax West in 2021 and re-elected in 2025.
  • Appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in May 2025.
  • Served in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 2013 to 2021.
  • Held provincial cabinet roles including Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
  • Was Nova Scotia’s first female Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
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Canadian context

As a Canadian federal cabinet minister and MP from Nova Scotia, Diab is directly relevant to Canadian politics and immigration policy, especially for readers interested in Atlantic Canada and federal-provincial political careers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lena Diab?
Lena Metlege Diab is a Canadian Liberal politician, lawyer, and MP for Halifax West who has served as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship since 2025.
What political party does she belong to?
She is a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.
What riding does she represent?
She represents Halifax West in Nova Scotia.
What roles did she hold in Nova Scotia politics?
She served as an MLA from 2013 to 2021 and held cabinet roles including Attorney General, Minister of Justice, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, and Minister of Immigration.
When did she become a federal cabinet minister?
She was appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in May 2025.

References

  1. Parliament of Canada — https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/lena-metlege-diab(109915)
    Supports: Federal MP status, riding, party affiliation, and ministerial role.
  2. Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/government/ministers/lena-metlege-diab.html
    Supports: Federal appointment date, riding, provincial political background, and professional background.
  3. Nova Scotia House of Assembly — https://nslegislature.ca/members/profiles/lena-m.-diab/history
    Supports: Provincial MLA dates and constituency history.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lena_Diab
    Supports: Birth date and broad biographical overview.