Delegates attend the Liberal Party of Canada convention in Montreal last month.Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press
Azam Ishmael, who has served as the Liberal Party’s national director for more than nine years, is stepping down.
Mr. Ishmael announced his decision in a letter to party staff on Monday but did not give a specific reason behind his departure.
He has served as the party’s director since 2017.
“For nearly a decade, it has been the honour of my professional life to serve you and the Liberal Party,” he said in the letter.
“It has been a privilege to work so closely with all of you, to share in our successes, and to have a front-row seat to Canadian history.”
Mr. Ishmael’s decision to leave now reflects a changed political landscape.
Azam Ishmael's resignation as the Liberal Party’s national director is effective May 29.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney won leadership of the party in March, 2025. While it is common for newly-elected party leaders to shake up staff, Mr. Carney then called an election.
The Liberals went on to win another minority government, and Mr. Ishmael was asked to stay on for longer.
Now the Liberals hold a majority in the House of Commons after five opposition MPs crossed the floor and they won three by-elections. This removes the imminent possibility the opposition could force an election, giving all political parties some breathing room to adjust their operations.
His departure marks another break between the Liberal Party and the Trudeau era.
Mr. Ishmael played a key role in voter mobilization for the 2015 election, a campaign that saw the Liberals under Justin Trudeau vault from third place to a majority government.
Prior to working for the National Liberal Party, he was active in both Nova Scotia and Ontario Liberal politics.
In the letter to party staff, Mr. Ishmael cited the ups and downs of his time in federal politics, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the party’s sharp downturn in public opinion polling, which happened in the waning days of Mr. Trudeau’s government.
“Through those moments, I never lost faith in this team,” he said.
“Time and again, we proved that when we are tested, we rise, because of the strength of our people, the clarity of our purpose, and the prime ministers that guided us forward.”
In a statement, Mr. Carney paid tribute to Mr. Ishmael’s dedication to the party.
“His service has made a deep contribution to our democracy over many years, and his commitment to a secure leadership vote process and grassroots organizing throughout 2025 was essential in our work together to earn a clear mandate from Canadians to build Canada Strong,” Mr. Carney said.
Mr. Ishmael is expected to be replaced on a temporary basis by long-time Liberal staff member Matteo Rossi.