Salma Zahid
- Born
- May 26, 1970 — Coventry, England
- Family
- Mother of two
- Education
- Master's degree in educational management and administration from the University of London’s Institute of Education, and an MBA from Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan
- Career
- Community organizer, worked for the Government of Ontario in multiple positions
- Political Experience
- Elected as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons of Canada to represent the federal riding of Scarborough Centre during the 2015 Canadian federal election
- Notable
- Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. First MP to wear a hijab in the House of Commons. Recovered from Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Salma Zahid reportedly worked as a public servant for the Government of Ontario. Her roles included positions in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. She also has a background in community organizing and volunteering with various non-profit organizations. According to disclosures with the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, she has declared rental income from a property in Toronto.
Public Controversies
In 2023, Salma Zahid faced public scrutiny following media reports about high staff turnover in her constituency and parliamentary offices. Former staff members reportedly alleged a toxic work environment, leading to multiple departures. In response to the allegations, Zahid's office stated that they take their human resources responsibilities seriously and that all staff are treated with dignity and respect. The Board of Internal Economy, which oversees MP office administration, was reportedly made aware of the concerns.
Where Salma falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
How does Salma Zahid's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, in 2015, Canada welcomed Syrian refugees fleeing the civil war, and many settled in Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East. Some 11 years later, they have become citizens and integrated into the community. They have opened businesses, become professionals and are contributing to all aspects of life, yet their hearts still ache for their homeland of Syria and those left behind. While the
Mr. Speaker, our mandate is to build Canada strong and to build right now. We have approved projects of national interest, and those projects are shovel-ready. It is really more than important, in the era we are living in, to make sure of these projects, and also that interprovincial trade barriers are eliminated, so that we can have one approval process. Nation-building projects have to be
Mr. Speaker, of course, we have to add lobster to our menus also. It is important to remember the context in which the government is bringing this bill forward. We are in a trade war with our largest trade partner, which we did not see, but we cannot back away from it. We need to diversify our economy with new investments and trading partners. I heard from the businesses in my riding in the
C-39 Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak to Bill, the building Canada strong act. Last year, we asked Canadians for a mandate to build a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous Canada. This legislation is the latest step in our work to turn that promise into action. It is important to consider the legislation in the context of the time in which we live right now and where Canada finds itself