Canada has a new face at the helm of immigration: Lena Metlege Diab, a seasoned provincial leader with a proven track record. Her appointment follows a swift cabinet shift that replaced Rachel Bendayan shortly after the 2025 federal election.

As Canada redefines its immigration priorities, Diab’s leadership promises strategic continuity; yet with a strong focus on regional programs and Francophone inclusion. Here’s what immigrants should expect under this new mandate.

Context: Who Is Lena Metlege Diab?

Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West, was appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in May 2025. Diab previously served as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration for nearly a decade, where she championed regional retention and launched new pathways tailored to local labor needs.

For example, she oversaw the creation and expansion of:

• The Labour Market Priorities Stream, which selected Express Entry candidates in fields like healthcare and food service;
• The Occupations in Demand Stream, focusing on transport, construction, and healthcare roles;
• The Entrepreneur and Graduate Entrepreneur Streams, which supported local business development and retention of international talent.

Her legal background and multilingual roots (she speaks English, French, and Arabic) reinforce her ability to navigate the complex realities of Canada’s immigration system: both at home and abroad.

From Bendayan to Diab: Continuity with a Local Lens

Diab’s appointment comes shortly after the 2025 federal election, where the Liberal government, now under Prime Minister Mark Carney, confirmed new immigration caps. These caps emphasize a balanced intake that favors economic-class immigrants while managing overall numbers.

Rachel Bendayan, who held the role for only a few months, emphasized “quality over quantity” in immigration. Diab is likely to uphold this principle but expand its scope, applying it to provinces seeking targeted immigration streams, especially in sectors facing chronic labor shortages.

With Diab’s experience in Nova Scotia, experts anticipate a boost in policies that:

• Strengthen provincial nominee programs (PNPs)
• Support Francophone immigration outside Quebec
• Enhance retention of international students and skilled workers
• Implications for Immigrants in 2025 and Beyond

Immigrants, especially those already in Canada, may benefit from Diab’s inclination toward in-country transition programs. Her history suggests new or expanded:

• Permanent residency pilots for temporary workers and graduates
• Regional programs aligned with labor market needs
• Settlement and retention services, especially in smaller provinces
• Francophone and bilingual candidates could also see greater advantages in Express Entry draws and targeted streams as part of Diab’s national Francophone strategy.

What Should Immigrants Do Now?

Recent policy announcements, such as the launch of a new Express Entry stream for teachers, reflect the government’s continued efforts to align immigration with workforce gaps, an approach consistent with Diab’s past leadership. 

Given Diab’s structured, provincial-style approach, immigrants should:

• Monitor updates to PNPs in their target province
• Improve their French or English to qualify for category-based draws
• Take advantage of PR pilot programs if they’re temporary residents or international graduates

To navigate these changes, staying informed is essential. Resources like AskAïa can help interpret updates and provide eligibility tools based on your profile.

Not sure how these changes affect you? Take a free assessment with AskAïa to explore your best immigration options—personalized for your journey.