Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan Ontario's new cabinet displays Canada's diversity and its priceless contributions to the country. But so readily have Canadians accepted the profound changes in their society that such developments surprise no one. Kathleen Wynne, who just became the 25th premier of Canada's largest province, is the first woman in this job, although Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia already have women premiers. She defeated formidable contenders and became leader of Ontario's Liberals. Since lieutenant-governors, provincial premiers and ministers, and even governors-general, federal ministers, senators and members of the House of Commons have been women, blacks, Asians and Aboriginals, such elections or appointments aren't novel. The other day Canada's ambassador to Brazil flew back to Ottawa for his mother's burial and to arrange prayers for her in the mosque. The imam of the mosque, new to Canada, was surprised that a Muslim from Pakistan was Canada's top representative in another country. But to Canadians this is old stuff. Still, it is interesting that three men in Premier Wynne's cabinet hail originally from India, Pakistan and Iran. Government Services Minister Harinder Takhar migrated from India. Takhar is a Sikh and his chief of staff is a Muslim. This might surprise people in the subcontinent, but in Canada such ties are routine. Relations between Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims and between Jews and Muslims in Canada are cordial. Former premier McGuinty used to occasionally join Muslims for Eid prayers, as he did with other faith groups. Like other dignitaries, he sat or stood respectfully while they prayed. But once he joined the congregation in praying behind the imam. Canadians saw this gesture as nothing more than courteous behavior. In some ways the cabinet minister who hails from Iran is the most colorful of the three. Reza Moridi is the first Canadian of Iranian origin to be elected to a federal or provincial legislature and to become a minister. He was elected to the Ontario legislature in 2007. Moridi was born in Azerbaijan. He studied in the UK and obtained a PhD in engineering. He received high awards from Iran, the UK and the US for his contributions to physics and engineering. However, the brightest star of the three is Yasir Naqvi, who was born in Karachi and came to Canada in 1988 when he was 15. His father had been arrested in Pakistan for participating in a human rights march. After he was appointed labor minister, Naqvi told Ottawa's Muslims, who had gathered to learn about the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), that his success was a tribute to the community's services. This is partly true in that Muslims are contributing to Canada. But it is Naqvi's dogged determination, hard work, passionate interest in helping people, modesty and belief in human brotherhood that have propelled his career. His support among non-Muslims is as strong as among Muslims - probably because Muslims are not as active in politics as some other communities. Naqvi studied law and became a successful lawyer and academic. He devoted long hours to voluntary work and collected food for the poor through community agencies. He has been co-chair of the Capital Food Bank Blitz since 2005, which has raised 320,000 pounds of food for the poor in seven years. He was elected to the legislature in 2007 and was appointed parliamentary assistant to various ministers. He was also elected president of the Liberal Party of Ontario. While Naqvi is most comfortable with average people he also has impressed the media. A columnist in the Toronto Globe and Mail lauded Naqvi in 2011 as "possibly the hardest-working constituency MPP in the province." Ottawa Life magazine included him in its tenth annual "Top 50 People in the Capital" list for 2010. The Ottawa Citizen referred to him as among the "People to Watch in 2010" while the Saturday Observer in 2010 called him a "firecracker." The Ottawa Citizen, in reviewing the new cabinet, called Naqvi's inclusion "especially welcome." Naqvi is 40. One can visualize him becoming Ontario's premier, or a member of Canada's House of Commons, perhaps even prime minister some day. But politics is unpredictable and merciless. It rewards generously and punishes its devotees ruthlessly. Ontario's Liberals have been in power for nine years. But public support is now being eroded and former Premier McGuinty resigned abruptly. The government is facing a $12-billion deficit, a wobbly economy and high unemployment after being hit hard by globalization and the loss of manufacturing jobs. Canada's engine of growth has become a have-not province and some Ontarians are flocking to other parts of Canada in search of jobs. The government is also being criticized over what the opposition calls the politically-motivated cancellation of two gas plants at a cost of $230 million. Premier Wynne is hoping some new faces in the cabinet will bolster her party and return it to power. Most analysts expect an interesting election soon but nobody knows what the provincial voters will decide. — Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan is a retired Canadian journalist, civil servant and refugee judge. He has received the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario and the Queen's Diamond and Golden Jubilee Medals.
