Prime Minister Stephen Harper names new Senator

July 09, 2010

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today filled a vacancy in the Senate, announcing the appointment of Salma Ataullahjan.   
 
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Salma Ataullahjan to the Senate of Canada,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “A professional, artist, parent and strong activist for the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area, Ms. Ataullahjan brings a remarkable dedication and energy to her new role as a Senator for the Province of Ontario.”
 
Ms. Ataullahjan fills a single vacancy in Ontario.  She has also pledged to support the Government in its efforts to make the Senate more democratic and accountable, including legislation to limit Senate tenure and to allow provinces to elect their Senators.
 
“In addition to coming from a family of political activists on the Indian Subcontinent, Ms. Ataullahjan’s political and social activism here in Canada has earned her a reputation of one who both stands against violence and stands for peaceful dialogue and consensus building,” said the Prime Minister.  “As our Government continues working to promote safety and security both at home and abroad, I welcome the addition of Ms. Ataullahjan’s skills and experience to the Senate of Canada and look forward to working with her in the months and years ahead.”
 
The appointment is effective immediately.
 
A biography of Ms. Ataullahjan is attached.
 

 
Backgrounder

Salma Ataullahjan immigrated to Canada from Pakistan 31 years ago, becoming a Canadian citizen in 1989.  After settling in Toronto, she pursued a career in real estate, a profession in which she has worked for the last 21 years.  Born into a family with a long-standing history of political activism, Ms. Ataullahjan has spent many years actively involved in the social and political affairs of her community. 

A natural consensus builder, Ms. Ataullahjan has served many organizations including: on the executive of the Pakistani Canadian Professionals and Academics; as Founder and Chairperson of the Parent Council of David Lewis Public School; as a member of the South Asian Regional Council; as a former President and current Vice-President of the Canadian Pashtun Cultural Association; and on the executive of the Toronto chapter of the Citizens Foundation, a charity organization that builds not-for-profit schools in the poorest districts of Pakistan. 

Ms. Ataullahjan is an accomplished artist and paints watercolours in her spare time.  She and her husband Saleem have been married for 31 years and have two daughters, Anushka and Shaanzeh.