Yasir Naqvi (born 2 March 1973) is a Canadian lawyer and politician who has served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada representing the Liberal Party in the electoral district of Ottawa Centre since the 2021 federal election. He previously served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the same riding from 2007 to 2018 and held several provincial cabinet positions, including Attorney General of Ontario (2013–2018). As of 2023, Naqvi holds the federal portfolio of Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Receiver General of Canada.
Early life and education
Naqvi was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1975. He was raised in Ottawa, Ontario. He attended the University of Ottawa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Juris Doctor (LL.B.) in law. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2000.
Legal career
Following his admission to the bar, Naqvi practiced civil litigation and criminal law at a private firm in Ottawa. He also served as a legal counsel for various community and governmental organizations.
Provincial political career
Naqvi was first elected to the Ontario Legislative Assembly in the 2007 provincial election as the Liberal Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Ottawa Centre. He was re‑elected in 2011 and 2014. During his tenure, he held several cabinet posts in the government of Premier Kathleen Wynne:
- Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services (2013)
- Attorney General of Ontario (2013–2018) – in this role he oversaw the province’s justice system, introduced reforms to the criminal code, and advocated for increased funding for legal aid.
Naqvi announced his resignation from provincial politics in early 2018, citing a desire to pursue other opportunities.
Federal political career
In the 2021 federal election, Naqvi was elected as the Liberal MP for Ottawa Centre, succeeding former party leader and MP Ed Broadbent. He was appointed to the federal cabinet on 12 July 2023, assuming the responsibilities of Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Receiver General of Canada, overseeing government procurement processes and the administration of public accounts.
Personal life
Naqvi is married to Noreen Naqvi, a medical researcher, and they have two children. He is fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi. Naqvi has been active in community initiatives focusing on multiculturalism, immigration, and youth mentorship.
Recognition
Naqvi has received various acknowledgments for his public service, including being named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” in Canada by The Globe and Mail in 2012.
References
- Parliament of Canada. “Yasir Naqvi – Member of Parliament.”
- Legislative Assembly of Ontario. “Member’s parliamentary history: Yasir Naqvi.”
- Government of Canada. “Minister of Public Services and Procurement – Yasir Naqvi.”
All information presented reflects publicly available and verifiable sources.