Interview with Member of Parliament: Sameer Zuberi
Sameer Zuberi is a Canadian MP. His job is to represent the riding of Pierrefonds–Dollard in the House of Commons. First elected as a Liberal MP in 2019 and re‑elected in 2021 and 2025, Zuberi remains committed to addressing the priorities of his constituents in Parliament.
Starting from college, what is your educational background?
“For CEGEP, I got a degree in Commerce at Marianopolis. Immediately after, I completed a bachelor’s in mathematics from Concordia University. In my early 30s, I returned to school to get a law degree from UQÀM.”
What work experience related to politics did you have prior to becoming a Member of Parliament?
“Before becoming an MP, I had many different employment experiences. One of the most important jobs I had was working as the media relations and human rights coordinator of an advocacy group based in Ottawa. I also worked as an English teacher overseas, soon after my time at Concordia, which allowed me to become comfortable speaking in front of audiences. During university, I was twice elected as the vice-president of the Concordia Student Union, where I learned about several social movements and how popular education campaigns are run. Finally, while in university, I also held a job in customer service, which taught me how to help people, including those who weren’t too happy when initially reaching out.”
What are the steps to becoming a Member of Parliament?
“There is no one path, but making some form of contribution to society is important. Having life experiences helps one to deal with unexpected situations, which are nearly a daily occurrence in Ottawa.”
Was it always a goal of yours to be a Member of Parliament? Explain why or why not?
“After serving in the Concordia Student Union, becoming a Member of Parliament was something that I thought about in the abstract, but it wasn’t a goal that I set my mind to achieve, nor did I posture or position for it throughout my career.”
What advice would you give to someone who would like to be a Member of Parliament?
“First and foremost, have a deep care for the well-being of people and the betterment of society. This is an absolute prerequisite. Being a Member of Parliament is akin to being a CEO of a small or medium size enterprise. Having life experiences, life skills, something to contribute to society is key. The ability to work under and a tolerance for, or dare I say, thrive in stressful conditions is important. We are often in a rush, but one can enter politics at any age. One of my colleagues was elected federally for the first time and is in his early 70s. The average age of an MP is mid-40s, while that of a Minister is mid-50s. You can enter politics at any age. Always be ready to learn and stay humble.”
MP Zuberi stands up to speak during Question Period. © HOC-CDCCredit: Bernard Thibodeau, House of Commons Photo Services
With all that your job requires of you, how does it affect the youth of Montreal?
“The work that I do has an impact on residents of every age groups, including youth. Be it policies around employment, the direction of our country, the economy, diversity and inclusion, housing, all of these affect youth.”
In your opinion, why is it important for youth to be active in politics?
“At some point the youth of today will manage the world and our country. It’s important that they learn about what they will take care of into the future. Politics is part of that world. Also, the ideas and policies that shape our country today need the input of everyone, including young people. This helps ensure that government works for all of society.”
How does your office attempt to engage youth in politics?
“We have a youth council which includes those between the ages of 15 to 25. The youth council meets monthly. It’s a place where people can learn about my work as a parliamentarian and that of my office. It also gives a space for conversation and reflection on government policies.”
What help would you be able to provide someone who comes into your office?
“My office helps residents who live in the riding with questions and guidance on how to access federal services. This includes, Immigration and Canada Revenue Agency, amongst several other federal departments.”
that I thought about in the abstract, but it wasn’t a goal that I set my mind to achieve, nor did I posture or position for it throughout my career.”
What advice would you give to someone who would like to be a Member of Parliament?
“First and foremost, have a deep care for the well-being of people and the betterment of society. This is an absolute prerequisite. Being a Member of Parliament is akin to being a CEO of a small or medium size enterprise. Having life experiences, life skills, something to contribute to society is key. The ability to work under and a tolerance for, or dare I say, thrive in stressful conditions is important. We are often in a rush, but one can enter politics at any age. One of my colleagues was elected federally for the first time and is in his early 70s. The average age of an MP is mid-40s, while that of a Minister is mid-50s. You can enter politics at any age. Always be ready to learn and stay humble.”
MP Zuberi stands up to vote for his motion M-62 on February 1, 2023. © HOC-CDCCredit: Bernard Thibodeau, House of Commons Photo Services
With all that your job requires of you, how does it affect the youth of Montreal?
“The work that I do has an impact on residents of every age groups, including youth. Be it policies around employment, the direction of our country, the economy, diversity and inclusion, housing, all of these affect youth.”
In your opinion, why is it important for youth to be active in politics?
“At some point the youth of today will manage the world and our country. It’s important that they learn about what they will take care of into the future. Politics is part of that world. Also, the ideas and policies that shape our country today need the input of everyone, including young people. This helps ensure that government works for all of society.”
How does your office attempt to engage youth in politics?
“We have a youth council which includes those between the ages of 15 to 25. The youth council meets monthly. It’s a place where people can learn about my work as a parliamentarian and that of my office. It also gives a space for conversation and reflection on government policies.”
What help would you be able to provide someone who comes into your office?
“My office helps residents who live in the riding with questions and guidance on how to access federal services. This includes, Immigration and Canada Revenue Agency, amongst several other federal departments.”
Oftentimes, politics is put under a negative light; seen as stagnant and out-of-touch with the general public. How do you respond to this commentary?
“I believe classic concepts like sincerity, dealing with people in a dignified way, having respect toward others, doing one’s best to keep one’s word, and honouring the truth, are things that elected people need to adhere to. Also, communication is key. Being receptive to the concerns of people is a big part of that. An elected person has to keep their door open, stay in touch, and be responsive to your constituents.”
Sameer Zuberi hands out flags during the Pierrefonds-Roxboro Canada Day Parade. July 1, 2025. Taken by William Draycott.
Global conflicts have become greatly intertwined in Canadian media, almost becoming more talked about amongst the public than Canadian politics. What are some up-to-date news pertaining to Canadian politics that should be known by all Canadians?
“For Canadian politics, at the federal level, we are in a minority government, so things can change really fast. Also, in Québec, provincial elections are coming up in October 2026. Both the CAQ and the Québec Liberals will have new leaders soon. People give a lot of attention to federal politics, but provincial and municipal politics are really important too.”
Are there any cons that come with being a Member of Parliament?
“A Member of Parliament is a public figure. As a result, what one does is widely seen and looked at. Even more, elected individuals are often examined with a critical eye. This can be a challenge for some who are not used to it, but it is a reality that one has to become accustomed to and even embrace. Also, being elected at the federal level, one spends about a third of the year in Ottawa. That’s an important period of time away from the family and loved ones.
Finally, people can oftentimes see an MP in different lights, whereas an elected person will see themselves as a totally normal person.”
Many people believe that in order to have a successful career, one must love their job. What do you love most about being a Member of Parliament?
“I love the complexity of my work, the problem solving, and strategy. Also, that I can help make our world a better place.”
Is there a moment(s) in your career that you are most proud of?
“The work that my office and I do has helped save lives and kept people out of concentration camps. Most of this is as a result of M-62, a motion that I presented and was unanimously passed by the House of Commons in February 2023. The passage of the motion itself was a challenging feat, in which I utilized all of my advocacy experience. M-62 calls for 10, 000 vulnerable Uyghur, who are undergoing grave human rights abuses, to be resettled in Canada. While the Government of Canada is a long way from this goal, each person that is resettled puts a dent in the genocide that the Uyghur are being subjected to.”
MP Zuberi stands up to vote for his motion M-62 on February 1, 2023. © HOC-CDCCredit: Bernard Thibodeau, House of Commons Photo Services
What are some goals you hope to accomplish as MP in 2026?
“With 117 million people being displaced because of war and famine, and with international law increasingly being ignored, I hope to be able to do what I can to support the most vulnerable.”
Finally, what message would you like to give to the students of Vanier College?
“Almost anything is possible with patience and perseverance. When thinking about what you want to do in the future, think about what has meaning for you. Consult a few people around you about potential paths. Both those who have your best interests at heart, including family and friends, and those with a window into the field you are thinking about. If you have some support your ideas, that is good. You can’t have everyone be fully enthusiastic about your path, but consider their opinions.”
MP Zuberi speaks with students at an event hosted by the Canadian Political Society of Concordia University
To conclude this article, The Insider would like to express our deepest appreciation for the work MP Sameer Zuberi does for Canada and for his riding. We would also like to thank him for taking the time to answer our questions. It was an absolute honour to interview him. If you live in the Pierrefonds–Dollard riding and have any questions, you can email Sameer’s team at Sameer.Zuberi@parl.gc.ca
