NCCM praises appointment of first-ever Muslim federal Cabinet Minister

Welcomes a government that “looks like Canada”

(Ottawa, Canada – November 4, 2015) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent civil liberties & advocacy organization, today praises the appointment of the first Canadian Muslim to the federal Cabinet.

Maryam Monsef was appointed today as Minister of Democratic Institutions. At age 30, the newly elected representative for Peterborough-Kawartha is also the first Afghan-born Member of Parliament and first female representative for her riding.

“Minister Monsef’s journey as a refugee fleeing the Taliban to finding refuge in Canada is inspirational,” says NCCM Board Chair Kashif A. Ahmed. “Her commitment to public service is exemplary. Her appointment, along with the election of  nine other Canadian Muslim members of Parliament, is the largest such number in our country’s history and marks a milestone in the growth and development of Canadian Muslim communities.”

In his first press conference as Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said he was pleased to introduce a cabinet that “looks like Canada”.

More visible minority and more female candidates were elected this time than in any previous election in history. It is also noteworthy that Vancouver-Granville MP Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for B.C., has been sworn in as Canada’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice,

“A government and opposition which represents Canadian pluralism is one which can better reflect on the issues and challenges we face in building a more prosperous and just society for all,” says NCCM’s Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

“We extend our congratulations to all elected MPs and look forward to continuing to work with all parties to uphold the rule of law and the values enshrined in our Charter of Rights & Freedoms,” adds Gardee.