Yasir Naqvi
- Born
- January 25, 1973 — Karachi, Pakistan
- Family
- Married, has a son and a daughter
- Education
- McMaster University, degree in Political Science and Life Science; University of Ottawa Law School
- Career
- Practiced international trade law at Flavell Kubrick LLP, eventually became a partner; Land Michener LLP; Centre for Trade Policy and Law at Carleton University
- Political Experience
- President of the Liberal Party of Ontario from October 2009 until February 2013; MPP for Ottawa Centre in the Legislative Assembly; Minister of Labour; minister of community safety and correctional services; attorney general of Ontario; MP for Ottawa Centre since the 2021 federal election
- Notable
- First visible-minority attorney general of Ontario; Immigrated to Canada with his family after his father was jailed for leading a pro-democracy demonstration.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Yasir Naqvi practiced as an international trade lawyer. He was first elected to provincial politics in Ontario in 2007, serving as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Ottawa Centre. During his time at the provincial level, he held several high-profile cabinet posts, including Attorney General of Ontario, Minister of Labour, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and Minister of Energy. He transitioned to federal politics after being elected as a Member of Parliament in 2021.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a prominent cabinet minister in the Ontario Liberal governments, Naqvi is known to have worked closely with former premiers Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne. He was a senior member of both of their governments, holding key portfolios over a period of more than a decade.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2015, while serving as Ontario's Minister of Community Safety, Naqvi was investigated by the province's Integrity Commissioner. The investigation concerned a letter he wrote on ministerial letterhead to the Parole Board of Canada regarding a constituent who was also a Liberal party donor. The Integrity Commissioner found that Naqvi had violated the Members' Integrity Act by using his position to try to influence the board's decision. The commissioner recommended that Naqvi be reprimanded by the provincial legislature for the ethics breach.
Public Controversies
During his tenure as Ontario's Minister of Energy, Naqvi was a key figure in the government that managed the partial sale of Hydro One, the province's publicly owned electricity utility. The decision to privatize a portion of the company was highly controversial and faced significant public backlash and criticism from opposition parties over concerns about rising electricity prices and the loss of a public asset. The policy became a major point of contention for the provincial government.
Where Yasir falls on key policy spectrums
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People & Society
How We're Governed
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