TORONTO, January 23, 2019—Thirty years after immigrating to Canada at the age of 15, Yasir Naqvi has been named CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC). Pro-democracy advocates, Yasir’s family emigrated from Pakistan to Canada in 1988. Inspired by his parents, Yasir spent the past 11 years serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing a diverse community in Ottawa. In 2016, he was sworn in as the Attorney General of Ontario. Educated at McMaster University, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, and Carleton University, Yasir was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2001 and went on to practise international trade and administrative law with major law firms.

Yasir has marked our idea of citizenship in multiple ways. While Attorney General of Ontario, he implemented the All Families Are Equal Actto 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.

The ICC is 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. Its cutting-edge Ideas & Insights program is redefining how we talk about diversity and belonging. The ICC is the convenor of 6 Degrees, an international conversation on immigration, refugees, diversity, and citizenship. Based in Toronto, 6 Degrees has taken place in cities across Canada, as well as in The Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. 6 Degrees now has its European hub in Berlin, will soon be taking place in Mexico City, and will be back in Calgary on March 14, 2019.

Adrienne Clarkson, Co-Chair of the ICC:
“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.”

John Ralston Saul, Co-Chair of the ICC:
“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.”

Yasir Naqvi, CEO of the ICC:
“I know firsthand that citizenship is far more than where you were born, as it is shaped by our communities and values. That is why I am proud to join the ICC to lead their drive to promote diversity and inclusion across Canada and around the world. 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.”

About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Powered by a passionate and committed national network, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is an independent civil society organization co-founded by The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul. The ICC delivers programs and special projects that inspire Canadians to be inclusive, create opportunities to connect, and encourage active citizenship. The Cultural Access Pass is unique in the world, offering new citizens free access to more than 1400 cultural attractions during their first year of citizenship. Partnering with community volunteers and iconic cultural institutions, the ICC celebrates new Canadian citizens at more than 75 community citizenship ceremonies each year. Ideas & Insights is a leading source of research on citizenship and inclusion—social, cultural, political, and economic. 6 Degrees extends the reach of the ICC’s work through a global conversation on inclusion and belonging in the 21st century. www.inclusion.ca