Immigration lawyer appointed as Green Party critic for immigration and refugees

OTTAWA – Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has named Meryam Haddad (candidate for Châteauguay-Lacolle) to the party’s Shadow Cabinet as critic on immigration and refugee issues. The Shadow Cabinet develops positions based on policies adopted by Green Party membership.

Meryam Haddad has been practising immigration law in Canada since 2013. Born to Syrian parents, Ms. Haddad arrived in Quebec at the age of five. She paid for her studies at the University of Ottawa by traveling the country and the world as a flight attendant, then working as a tour guide at the Royal Canadian Mint. For the past six years Ms. Haddad has represented asylum seekers from all over the world in Canadian courts, establishing herself as an independent lawyer recognised by her peers as an expert in her field.

“Immigrants come to Canada looking for opportunities to build more secure and prosperous lives for themselves and their families,” said Ms Haddad. “The Green Party wants to make sure that all migrants are supported and given equal opportunities to benefit from the transition to a green economy.”

“Meryam will be a great asset to the Party as critic for immigration and refugees,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. “She works on the front lines helping new arrivals to Canada deal with immigration and clearly understands the complex issues they face.

A Green Party candidate for Châteauguay-Lacolle in Ottawa, Ms. Haddad relishes taking on new challenges as a Green MP, adding: “I look forward to representing my constituents and  I will continue to advocate for social justice, human dignity and the environment.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview contact:

Rosie Emery
Attachée de presse
613-562-4916x206
rosie.emery@greenparty.ca