Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on January 12 announced a range of cabinet moves, including the appointment of Omar Alghabra as the new federal minister of transport. Alghabra succeeds Marc Garneau, who remains in the federal cabinet as minister of foreign affairs. The cabinet shuffle was largely initiated by the cabinet departure of Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and industry, who announced his decision to not to run in the next election.

Alghabra was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre in 2015, and also served as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga Erindale from 2006 to 2008. The Government of Canada notes he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and to the Minister of International Trade Diversification, before becoming Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Public Service Renewal) and to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in 2019.

In his new role with Transport Canada, Alghabra will also continue to play a leadership role in the investigation into the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 tragedy, which Garneau will also be involved with in his new role. The Government of Canada describes Alghabra as a long-time community activist, pointing to his involvement with local organizations like Mississauga Summit and Youth Troopers for Global Awareness. He has also supported a range of initiatives designed to empower new Canadians.

A mechanical engineer by trade, Alghabra holds a Master of Business Administration and was a Distinguished Visiting Fellow with the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at Ryerson University. He has worked in various roles with General Electric Canada, Enbala Power, and the Ontario Energy Board.

Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport. (Photo: Government of Canada)