One of two dozen new faces joining Carney’s cabinet, Diab steps into the role of Minister of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship, a position that looms large over Canada’s international education sector.
Given the politically charged immigration debate in Canada, the sector has welcomed the appointment of Diab – who has eight years of experience as Novia Scotia’s immigration minister up until 2021.
“I’m optimistic that, with her experience in Nova Scotia during a time of immigration growth, she has a strong potential to deliver,” said Matthew McDonald, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Diab’s provincial experience as Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie was likely another factor in her selection, given the increasing importance of French in Canada’s non-Quebec immigration programs, said McDonald.
She will replace Rachel Bendayan, who was in the post for just two months following the removal of Marc Miller when Carney took over leadership of the Liberal party.
I hope [Diab] will take a more nuanced approach to the international student program, and I would encourage her to consult with the post-secondary sector directly
Vinitha Gengatharan, Simon Fraser University
“Minister Diab is an experienced minister and understands regional variations [and] requirements for the immigration file,” said Vinitha Gengatharan, executive lead, international and senior international officer at Simon Fraser University.
After sixteen months of federal policy turbulence in which university leaders criticised federal and provincial governments for a lack of consultation, stakeholders have said they are ready to work with Diab to rebuild brand Canada and attract international talent.
“I hope she will take a more nuanced approach to the international student program, and I would encourage her to consult with the post-secondary sector directly,” said Gengatharan.
Under previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, no immigration minister remained in the role for more than two years, with sector leaders hoping the new government will usher in a period of stability and put an end to the turmoil seen in 2024.
And yet, Diab joins at a complex time for the Canadian immigration file. “She will have to balance concerns among the general public with the competing interests of many different stakeholders,” said McDonald.
“I’m optimistic that, with her experience in Nova Scotia during a time of immigration growth, she has a strong potential to deliver.”
The newly appointed Cabinet follows Carney leading the Liberal party to victory in Canada’s 2025 election race against the Conservatives in a race dominated by Donald Trump.
“Canadians elected this new government with a strong mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States,” a statement from Carney’s office said on May 13.
Carney’s new cabinet will have 28 ministers, a reduction on Trudeau’s nearly 40.
