Liberal Party of Canada Announces National Director Azam Ishmael to Step Down
Ottawa, ON – The Liberal Party of Canada announced today that Azam Ishmael will be stepping down from his role as National Director effective May 29th, 2026 after more than nine years, following last month’s milestones of the largest policy convention in the party’s history and three successful by-election campaigns which resulted in a new Liberal majority in Parliament.
“Azam Ishmael’s dedication to building a more open and innovative Liberal Party has played a central part in our work to build a stronger future for all Canadians,” said Mark Carney, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. “His service has made a deep contribution to our democracy over many years, and his commitment to a secure leadership vote process and grassroots organising throughout 2025 was essential in our work together to earn a clear mandate from Canadians to build Canada Strong.”
Azam Ishmael was first appointed as National Director of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2017 and has served in senior roles in each of the last four federal Liberal election campaigns — including as National Campaign Director in 2021. During his tenure, the Party has connected with more Canadians than ever before, hosted the largest national policy convention in its history, ran the fastest and most secure leadership race in Canadian political history, and achieved the party’s best-ever year for fundraising in 2025.
“I’ve had the best job in Canadian politics,” said Azam Ishmael. “I want to thank Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for putting their trust in me to lead this important democratic institution, and to thank all Liberal Party staff, supporters, volunteers, and donors for their dedication and involvement. It is the honour of my life to have worked alongside you to build a better Canada for everyone.”
In the coming weeks, the Party President, Sachit Mehra, and LPC National Board of Directors will begin the process of recruiting the next National Director to support Mark Carney and our new Liberal government’s work to build Canada strong.
“Azam is the longest-serving and most successful National Director in the Liberal Party’s history, helping propel the Party to organising, fundraising, and campaign successes that break records on all scores,” said Sachit Mehra, President of the Liberal Party of Canada. “Liberals across the country are deeply grateful for his consistent strategic focus and contributions to our Party and country, and his leadership will be deeply missed. We will begin the important work of selecting a National Director to start this summer.”
Since the beginning of 2025, the Liberal Party of Canada has welcomed more than 300,000 new registered Liberals, achieved its best-ever year and a record breaking Q1 for grassroots fundraising, won three important by-elections, and hosted its largest policy convention ever. As Mark Carney and our new Liberal government deliver on our plan to build Canada strong for all, the Liberal Party of Canada will build on its strong grassroots support to engage more Canadians than ever before.