ASSU Presents: Black Perspectives, A Conversation with Hon. Ahmed Hussen

Part of the Arts and Science Students’ Union Black History Month Black Perspectives Speaker Series. Zoom Webinar link will be emailed to all registered attendees. For more information, please visit assu.ca.

Join us for a Black History Month celebration and conversation with the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, as he shares his experiences from the world of politics.

This event offers an opportunity for Black students with an interest in leadership, advocacy, or politics to learn from an expert as they forge their own futures in these fields. Topics such as overcoming barriers, combatting anti-Black racism, and representation will be discussed, while the conversation delves into the intersections of identity and politics.

More on The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development:

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen is the Member of Parliament for York South—Weston. A community advocate and lawyer, he has proudly represented the residents of York South-Weston since 2015.

Ahmed immigrated to Canada at the age of 16 as a refugee. After attending high school in Hamilton, Ontario, Ahmed worked at the Hamilton—Wentworth social services department before he settled in Toronto in 1997. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at York University and soon co-founded the Regent Park Community Council. As the president of this organization, Ahmed played a key role in fiercely advocating for Regent Park’s 15,000 residents, securing a $500 Million investment to revitalize Regent Park. He was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for his leadership efforts in the Regent Park Community.

Serving as National President for the Canadian Somali Congress, Ahmed worked with national and regional authorities to advocate on important issues to Canadians of Somali heritage, strengthening civic engagement and integration. His results-driven reputation led to an invitation from the Toronto City Summit Alliance to join the task force for modernizing income security for working adults. As a result of his advocacy work, the Toronto Star recognized Ahmed as one of ten individuals in Toronto to have made substantial contributions to the city. Ahmed has also worked as a Special Assistant for intergovernmental affairs to former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

After earning a law degree from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Ahmed Hussen practised law in the areas of criminal defence, immigration and refugee law, and human rights.

Ahmed was elected as the Member of Parliament for York South—Weston in 2015 and sat on the Justice and Human Rights Committee. He was also the vice-chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association. In January 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Ahmed as Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.

Ahmed was subsequently re-elected as the Member of Parliament for York South—Weston in October 2019. On November 20, 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Ahmed Hussen as Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.