Yasir Naqvi named CEO of Institute for Canadian Citizenship

By Mike Vlasveld

Former Ottawa Member of Provincial Parliament and Attorney General of Ontario Yasir Naqvi has been named CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. 

Naqvi's family emigrated from Pakistan in 1988, and inspired by his parents, he spent the past 11 years serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. 

Officials at the ICC said Naqvi, “has marked our idea of citizenship in multiple ways.” 

“Yasir Naqvi's powerful and moving story, and his engagement as a Canadian citizen, are a dynamic representation of what the ICC stands for—citizenship, diversity and belonging,” said Adrienne Clarkson, Co-Chair of the ICC.

While Attorney General of Ontario, he implemented the All Families Are Equal Act to ensure that all children are treated equally, regardless of how they are conceived, and recognize the legal status of all parents. He also championed new laws to prevent sexual violence and help survivors, increase respect for the rights and cultures of Indigenous peoples, expand access to restorative justice, and promote multiculturalism.

“Yasir Naqvi's passion for strengthening the wellbeing of citizens makes him a perfect match for the mission of the ICC, not only in Canada, but around the world,” John Ralston Saul, Co-Chair of the ICC.

Naqvi added that he is proud to join the ICC to lead their drive to promote diversity and inclusion across Canada and around the world.

“I know firsthand that citizenship is far more than where you were born, as it is shaped by our communities and values,” said Yasir Naqvi, CEO of the ICC. “I am looking forward to taking part in events and meeting new citizens and friends of the ICC across the country as quickly as possible, starting with upcoming citizenship ceremonies in Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario.”

The ICC describes itself as Canada's leading citizenship organization and the world's foremost voice on citizenship and inclusion. 

Its national grassroots programs include the Cultural Access Pass, the only program of its kind in the world, and Building Citizenship, which organizes its acclaimed community citizenship ceremonies.

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