Yasir Naqvi is running for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party in 2023.  A first generation Canadian, Yasir’s family arrived in Canada in 1988 after the Pakistani government imprisoned his father for leading a pro-democracy march. With an upbringing deeply rooted in the values of democracy, social justice and compassion, Yasir feels it is important to be involved in the community and give back. Yasir’s passion to serve his community resulted in being elected MPP in October 2007 and re-elected in 2011 and 2014. In 2013 he was appointed Minister of Labour where he raised the minimum wage, brought forward new protections for vulnerable workers and improved workplace safety measures. In 2014 he was appointed Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Government House Leader. As the MPP of a diverse, urban riding, Yasir has been a tireless advocate for public services and sustainable community growth. Working closely with the community, Yasir helped secure funding to build the Hintonburg Hub, an integrated health and social service centre in our community. He also worked to secure funding for the Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards, a new Broadview Public School and an expanded Carleton University library. Yasir is recognized by his peers as a strong community leader and involved resident of Ottawa Centre. He has sat on the Board of Directors of the Centretown Community Health Centre for four years and he has been the Co-Chair of the Capital Food Bank Blitz since 2005. Yasir is the proud father of Rafi Naqvi and husband to Christine McMillan.