Lena Metlege Diab Is Canada’s New Immigration Minister

Prime minister Mark Carney has appointed Lena Metlege Diab as a new minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Diab replaces Rachel Bendayan, who had taken over from Marc Miller during a cabinet shuffle earlier in 2025.

As a strong member of the Parliament, it’s expected that Diab brings a wealth of legal and political experience to the federal cabinet. Diab is widely known for her previous work as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration from 2013 to 2021, where she helped grow the province’s immigration programs and launched many Express Entry-aligned and entrepreneur streams.

Who Is Lena Metlege Diab?

Speaking of Diab’s personal life, She is a lawyer, small business owner, and long-time community leader. Diab is born in a culturally diverse family, her parents are Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents. She speaks English, French, and Arabic, and has degrees in commerce and law from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University.

Now, heading towards her provincial politics, Diab held multiple roles, including Attorney General and Minister of Justice – the first woman of Lebanese descent to do so in Canada. Based on her past records, it's safe to expect that appointment signals a continued focus on inclusion and policy-driven reform.

What Her Appointment Means for Immigration Policy

As Lena Metlege Diab has a strong background in law and politics, we hope that she will bring a structured and balanced approach to federal immigration. While immediate changes are not expected, here are some tenures that may include:

• Renewed support for French-speaking immigration outside Quebec.
• Continued streamlining of permanent residence (PR) pathways for temporary residents.
• Careful policy updates to work permit systems and international student programs.

Future Outlook for Canadian Immigration After Diab

Diab’s arrival indicates stability, not disruption. However, with a federal election on peak, certain changes are unlikely. Instead, Canadians and immigration stakeholders can expect incremental refinements, particularly in:

• PR access for in-Canada applicants
• Regulations for post-secondary institutions
• Expansion of Francophone immigration pathways

What Changes Can We Expect Under Lena Metlege Diab?

Diab would most likely continue and structure immigration approaches, with a focus on French-speaking immigrants and smoother PR options for those already living in Canada.

Will Canada Introduce New Rules for International Students After Diab?

Although no major updates have been announced yet, the sector remains under review. Further regulations could be introduced for study permits and post-graduation work options.

By the end of this, we hope Diab's leadership could lead to more predictable and transparent immigration policies.