Arif Virani, Canada’s new Minister of Justice and Attorney General
CBA President Steeves Bujold thanks David Lametti for his service as he welcomes his successor to his new role.
Arif Virani, the Toronto Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park, has been appointed as the new Justice Minister and Attorney General, succeeding outgoing Minister David Lametti, who leaves cabinet.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a major federal cabinet reshuffle earlier today, reorganizing key portfolios in an effort to refocus his government ahead of a federal election that may not happen until 2025.
CBA President Steeves Bujold thanked Lametti “for his commitment to improving the justice system over the past few years” and welcomed Virani’s appointment. “We look forward to working with him and his cabinet colleagues as the government continues on its legislative agenda,” Bujold said in a statement. “The CBA shares many priorities with the federal government including modernizing the justice system, equal access to justice for everyone, addressing systemic inequities in the criminal justice system and judicial appointments that reflect the diversity of Canada.”
As the new Justice Minister, Arif Virani will oversee an array of pressing matters, beginning with the filling of judicial vacancies.
As a lawyer and an accomplished human rights advocate, Virani has an extensive background in legal files.
Virani arrived in Canada in 1972 with his family who fled Uganda. Called to the Ontario Bar, he was awarded the Harold G. Fox scholarship, which gave him a valuable opportunity to travel to London, in the UK, where he trained with barristers at the esteemed Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
After articling at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP in Toronto, he stayed on as an associate until he moved to the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, where he spent 12 years working in the constitutional law branch.
He was first elected to Parliament in 2015 and served as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Justice from 2018 to 2021, partially during Lametti’s tenure.
The cabinet reshuffle also saw other significant changes in key positions. Anita Anand has been moved from Defense to Treasury, with Bill Blair taking up Defense. Sean Fraser is moving to Housing. His successor at Immigration and Citizenship is Marc Miller, who leaves Crown-Indigenous Relations in the hands of Gary Anandasangaree. Patty Hajdu remains the Minister of Indigenous Services.
In a statement, Lametti congratulated his successor on his appointment, as well as Anandasangaree, who also served under him as parliamentary secretary. “They will both be excellent Minsters and I wish them nothing but success in their new roles.”
Among the other ministers keeping their portfolios, Dominic LeBlanc is adding Public Safety to his responsibilities for Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs. Chrystia Freeland stays put at Finance, Francois Phillipe Champagne at Industry, and Steven Guilbeault continues his work at Environment and Climate Change. Melanie Joly also remains in her role as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
With files from Dale Smith.
