Omar Alghabra
Omar Alghabra is a Canadian politician and engineer who served as Canada’s minister of transport from 2021 to 2023.
Omar Alghabra is a Canadian politician and engineer who served as Canada’s minister of transport from 2021 to 2023. A Liberal, he represented Mississauga—Erindale from 2006 to 2008 and Mississauga Centre from 2015 to 2025 in the House of Commons.
Early life and education
Published biographies identify Alghabra as Saudi-born and of Syrian background, and describe him as trained in engineering. Some secondary sources say he moved to Canada as a young adult to study engineering.
Federal political career
Alghabra first entered the House of Commons in 2006 as MP for Mississauga—Erindale, served until 2008, and returned in 2015 as MP for Mississauga Centre. He remained in that seat until 2025, according to parliamentary records and biographical listings.
Cabinet service
He was appointed minister of transport in 2021 and held the role until 2023. During his time in federal politics, he also served in parliamentary secretary roles before joining cabinet.
Public profile
Alghabra has been profiled in Canadian media as a prominent Liberal politician with a background in community activism and public service. Some sources also note his status as the first Syrian-Canadian elected to the House of Commons.
Key facts
- Served as Canada's minister of transport from 2021 to 2023.
- First elected to the House of Commons in 2006 for Mississauga—Erindale, re-elected in 2015 for Mississauga Centre.
- No longer a Member of Parliament as of 2025.
- Saudi-born Syrian-Canadian politician.
- Trained as an engineer.
Alghabra is a notable figure in Canadian federal politics and represented two Ontario ridings in the Greater Toronto Area. His career is also relevant to Canadian immigration and representation because multiple sources describe him as a Saudi-born Syrian-Canadian politician.[2][4][16]
Frequently asked questions
Who is Omar Alghabra?
What riding did Omar Alghabra represent?
What party is Omar Alghabra affiliated with?
Was Omar Alghabra a cabinet minister?
Is Omar Alghabra still an MP?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_AlghabraSupports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, party affiliation, parliamentary service, and ministerial role.
- House of Commons of Canada — https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/89535Supports: Member status, constituency, and confirmation that he is no longer an MP.
- House of Commons of Canada — https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/omar-alghabra(89535)/rolesSupports: Term dates for Mississauga Centre service.
- Canadian Immigrant — https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/minister-omar-alghabraSupports: Biographical background, parliamentary history, and transport minister role.
- Maclean's — https://macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/omar-alghabras-path-to-federal-cabinet/Supports: Political career background, parliamentary secretary service, and cabinet appointment context.
- Innoversity — https://www.innoversity.com/roadmap/pastevents/speakers/omara/Supports: Community activism, early parliamentary record, and policy interests.
- Middle East Eye — https://www.middleeasteye.net/features/meet-canadas-saudi-born-political-adviser-shaping-trudeaus-foreign-policySupports: Saudi-born Syrian background, immigration to Canada, and political profile.
- The National — https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/canada-s-omar-alghabra-outshines-the-racists-who-malign-him-1.1150133Supports: Saudi-born to Syrian family, immigration background, and transport minister appointment.