Ali Ehsassi
- Born
- April 24, 1970 — Geneva, Switzerland
- Education
- BA, University of Toronto; MSc, London School of Economics; LLB, York University Osgoode Hall Law School; Masters of International Trade and Arbitration Law, Georgetown University Law School
- Political Experience
- Liberal Member of Parliament for Willowdale since 2015; Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement (March 14, 2025 – May 13, 2025); Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (2025)
- Notable
- One of the first two Canadians of Iranian heritage elected to federal Parliament; Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and other Crimes against Humanity; Co-Chair of the 416 Caucus; Opposes the Iranian government.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Ali Ehsassi had a career as a lawyer and a public servant. He reportedly worked as a lawyer in both the private and public sectors. His public service career included positions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs Canada) and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. This background provided him with experience in international law, trade, and diplomacy.
Key Relationships & Connections
Ali Ehsassi has been publicly associated with former Justice Minister and human rights advocate Irwin Cotler. They have reportedly worked together on various human rights files, particularly concerning Iran. As a Member of Parliament, he also works closely with other members of the Liberal caucus and has served as Chair of parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which involves relationships with legal experts and civil society organizations.
Public Controversies
Ali Ehsassi has faced public criticism from some members of the Iranian-Canadian community regarding his and the Liberal government's stance on the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2023, he was criticized for voting against a Conservative motion to immediately list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Ehsassi defended his vote, stating that the government was already using other powerful tools and sanctions against the IRGC and that the issue was complex. The debate highlighted divisions within the community on the most effective approach to dealing with the Iranian regime.
Where Ali falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Ali Ehsassi won with 25,488 votes (53.4%)
Total votes cast: 47,689
How does Ali Ehsassi's voting record line up with your values?
In your remarks, you touched on a gathering that you have scheduled for Singapore. One of the things that seems to me to be very important is knitting together networks of business leaders, academics and people who can be very helpful in forging stronger ties between our two countries. The gathering in Singapore is a very novel approach. Could you share with the committee what you have in mind
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the three witnesses. You've been excellent. You're obviously on the front lines of deepening our relationship with Japan, and your remarks have been very informative. I will start off with Mr. Nankivell. As you know, Japan and Canada are both members of CPTPP. That has been a success; there's no doubt about it. We know that two-way trade has gone up 20%.
Mr. Speaker, once again, allow me to emphasize that we stand at the ready. For the past several months, we have been consulting with the provinces, consulting with the territories, consulting with businesses and consulting with labour leaders, so everyone is fully aware that we are doing as much as can be expected and we will be acting very strongly. The member can rest assured that we will only
Mr. Speaker, let me assure the member that we all stand at the ready. Canada is at its strongest when governments, workers, businesses and industry are all pulling in the same direction. By strengthening our engagement, we are ensuring Canada is well-positioned. That is why, as the member is well aware, yesterday we announced the creation of the advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic