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?
Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for me to table petition e-7590. As members are likely aware, I often like to tell individuals in the chamber that my riding has the highest percentage of Korean Canadians out of all 343 ridings in our country. Bearing that in mind, and given that some of them are here in the gallery today, it is a great honour—
Mr. Speaker, the petition is regarding the Korean War armistice of 1953. As we are all aware, one of the proudest moments in our current history was when Canada contributed to the Republic of Korea during the Korean War. In fact, we were the third-largest contributor to that effort. Over 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War, and of course, 516 gave their lives. As a result of that, and
I'm talking about the obligations. What are some of the provisions? I assume that some people might be interested in this particular issue. I'm trying to give you the opportunity to set them at ease by saying that we are fully complying and that these provisions actually have teeth.
You talked about timelines as to when we're going to be producing. How are other countries faring with respect to those timelines?
How do you enforce these great objectives that you are discussing? Could you give us a few examples, just to familiarize everyone with this?
Thank you, Madam Chair. Perhaps I'll ask a question of Mr. Moroz. Mr. Moroz, you are the director general of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, which, of course, is an independent nuclear regulator. As I understand it, when it comes to the export of nuclear material or devices, your organization is responsible for putting in safeguards and guardrails to make sure they are used
Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to clarify something. I certainly appreciate the spirit with which Mr. Mantle has introduced this motion, but at no point did I hear Mr. Naqvi suggest that this was a study. This is certainly a matter. I think the definition of a matter, when it comes to committee, is anything that comes before a committee and anything that requires all the members to opine