Sean Fraser: Canada’s New Immigration Minister

Sean Fraser was appointed Canada’s new immigration minister on October 26. He entered politics initially to help create opportunities in the smaller communities of Canada like his own hometown Merigomish, Nova Scotia. Today, he is in charge of Canadian immigration with the power to offer opportunities to thousands of hopeful immigrants.

Sean Fraser used to work at a law firm in Calgary before he began his new career as a politician. He noticed that most of his graduating class lived far away from their hometown to pursue their careers. Even he and his sisters left their hometown in the course of their education and career. He realized that young people needed more opportunities in their home communities so they could stay closer to their families without compromising their future. Contributing to this cause felt meaningful to him even though he loved his job as a lawyer. 

Political Career Highlights

Fraser decided to run as the Liberal candidate for the Central Nova riding in 2015 and emerged victorious over the Conservative Party member who had occupied the seat for the past two elections. Once he was elected to office, Fraser served as the parliamentary secretary to the minister of finance as well as the minister of “middle-class prosperity.” 

In 2016, Fraser was an advocate for more immigration to Atlantic Canada in the House of Commons. He cited the Ivany Report to reinforce the necessity of increasing immigration and promoting Nova Scotia’s economic growth. He knew that the best way to combat Atlantic region’s population problems was to implement a proper immigration strategy.

Fraser will deal with the aftereffects of the pandemic as the new immigration minister and it will be interesting to see his approach.