Yasir Abbas Naqvi (born 25 January 1973) is a Canadian lawyer and politician. He has served as the Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Ottawa Centre since the 2021 federal election. Prior to his election to the House of Commons, Naqvi held several senior positions in Ontario provincial politics, including Attorney General of Ontario (2016–2018), Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services (2014–2016), and Minister of Labour (2013–2014). He was the first visible‑minority to serve as Ontario’s attorney general.
Early life and education
Naqvi was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and immigrated to Canada with his family after his father was imprisoned for participation in pro‑democracy protests. The family spent a brief period in the United Kingdom before settling in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Bachelor of Science from McMaster University, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Ottawa, and a Master of Arts from Carleton University. He also completed executive education at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.
Legal career
Called to the Ontario Bar in 2001, Naqvi practiced international trade law. He worked at Flavell Kubrick LLP, becoming a partner, before joining Land Michener LLP in 2005. In 2007 he joined the Centre for Trade Policy and Law at Carleton University as a researcher.
Provincial political career
Naqvi was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2007 provincial election, representing the Ottawa Centre riding. He served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance before being appointed Minister of Labour in 2013. In 2014 he became Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and in 2016 he was appointed Attorney General of Ontario, a role he held until the Liberal government was defeated in the 2018 provincial election. He also served as President of the Ontario Liberal Party from 2009 to 2013.
Federal political career
In the 2021 federal election, Naqvi won the Ottawa Centre seat, succeeding Catherine McKenna. In Parliament, he has served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Minister of International Development. In June 2023 he announced his candidacy for the 2023 Ontario Liberal Party leadership race, ultimately placing third.
Personal life
Naqvi is married and has two children. He is of Pakistani descent and has been noted for his involvement in community outreach and advocacy for diversity in politics.
