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Canada’s First Muslim woman Cabinet Minister
11-04-2015
MP Maryam Monsef was elected to Parliament in the last Federal election. She represents represent the Peterborough-Kawartha riding. She is a rookie MP and already named Minister for Democratic Institutions in the new cabinet of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Formerly known as the Ministry of Democratic Reform and Democratic Renewal, Created in 2003 under Paul Martin, The new name, Minister for Democratic Institutions will focus on internal operations within the House of Commons.
In An interview she stated, "My Canadian story begins about twenty years ago when my mom, my two sisters and I, arrived here in Peterborough as refugees... and, the desire to serve this community really begins there."
In 2014, She ran for mayor of Peterborough finishing a close second. At age 30
Monsef is the first MP to have been born in Afghanistan. In Her victory speech, She thanked her mother, Suri Basir-Monsef, who’s been by her side at every campaign debate and event.
“You showed me what courage is about,” Monsef said to her mother. “I thank you.”
For the past decade she has been a dedicated community organizer, volunteer and advocate. Her family settled in Peterborough, Ontario to build a new life in Canada.
Monsef graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Science, she has worked with a number of organizations including Trent University, Fleming College, Peterborough Economic Development, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and the New Canadian Centre.
Maryam co-founded the Red Pashmina Campaign, which has raised over $150,000 for women and girls in Afghanistan, while also recognizing local women of impact.
Maryam has represented Peterborough at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City, is a co-recipient of the YMCA’s Peace Medallion and has received the Young Leaders Award from Trent University. In 2015, Maryam was again recognized as one of Peterborough’s most influential people by local media.
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