In 2018, Arielle Kayabaga became the first Black woman ever elected to London City Council. In 2021, Arielle was elected as the Member of Parliament for London West, the first Black woman to be elected to this position.
After leaving Burundi amid civil war - and experiencing the challenges newcomers face in dealing with insecure housing and precarious employment - Arielle is passionate about ensuring new Canadians have the resources to settle in the country. In 2022, Arielle introduced a Private Members’ Motion, M-59, that works to amend the Federal Framework on Housing to include individuals with non-visible disabilities. The motion was passed unanimously in March of 2023, ensuring a future where housing is more accessible for persons with disabilities.
She has received the Pillar Community Leadership Award, was named one of 33 Black Canadians Making Change Now by Chatelaine magazine, and received Municipal World’s Woman of Influence in Local Government Award. She has been recognized as one of the 2022 Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in honour of the United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent, and by the World Economic Forum as one of their 2023 Young Global Leaders.
Arielle is particularly focused on homelessness prevention, civic engagement, and inclusive communities. As a single mother, Member of Parliament, and community activist, she embodies the qualities of a new type of political leader: progressive, resilient, and optimistic.