Maria Mourani

Maria Mourani, born on May nineteenth, nineteen sixty-nine, is a distinguished Canadian politician and a trailblazer in her field. She made history as the first woman of Lebanese descent to be elected to the Canadian House of Commons, representing the federal riding of Ahuntsic. Her political journey began with the Bloc Québécois, a party she left due to its support for the controversial Quebec Charter of Values.

In November two thousand fourteen, Mourani transitioned to the New Democratic Party (NDP). Although she was not part of the party's caucus due to its policy against crossing the floor, she actively participated in the political landscape by standing for the NDP in the two thousand fifteen Canadian federal election, where she sought to continue her advocacy for her constituents.

Beyond her political career, Mourani has an extensive background in academia and public service. She has worked as a teacher, research officer, criminologist, sociologist, probation officer, and graduate assistant, showcasing her diverse expertise and commitment to social issues. In two thousand seventeen, she further expanded her influence by becoming the Quebec representative in the permanent delegation of Canada at UNESCO.