Omar Alghabra
Community Activist
Omar Alghabra
Omar Alghabra is a resident and community activist in Mississauga. Having immigrated to Canada at a young age, Omar learned the value of hard work when he worked at a donut shop, gas station and convenience store while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Ryerson University where he graduated in 1994. Omar continued his dedication to education by obtaining his MBA from York University in 2000.
Omar’s professional career spanned a wide range of experiences including working for General Electric where he held many different managerial positions. Though his changing roles required many long days Omar never lost his passion for community service. He volunteered with youth groups encouraging them to stay in school and become socially engaged. He served on the Toronto Star Community Editorial Board and authored columns on local and important issues. He also dedicated time to supporting initiatives that empowered immigrants, and new Canadians and promoted economic and social integration. Inspired by his first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities faced by everyday Canadians, Omar’s community service evolved into political activism.
In 2006 Omar was elected as Member of Parliament for the riding of Mississauga-Erindale. As MP Omar championed matters as diverse as immigration reforms, human rights, foreign policy, infrastructure funding, the idea of a National Energy strategy and the environment. During his time as MP, Omar helped resolve hundreds of individual problems, tabled 2 bills (on protecting employee rights, and another on balancing civil liberties with security laws), and pushed for improved funding of Mississauga Transit. In addition to his work for the community Omar also served as a member of the Liberal Shadow Cabinet both as Citizenship and Immigration Critic and later as Natural Resources Critic.
Omar has always strived to do politics differently. Through his dedication to community work, political activism and pursuit of social change, Omar has proved his ability to making Canada a better place for all, and provided innovative ideas about our future direction.