Melissa Lantsman has emerged as a key figure in Canadian politics, serving as the Member of Parliament for Thornhill since 2021. As a Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party, she has taken on a prominent role in shaping the party’s vision and policies. Her rise in politics reflects a career built on strategic communication, advocacy, and a commitment to conservative values.
Born in Toronto in 1984, Lantsman was raised in Thornhill in a Russian Jewish household. Her parents’ immigrant background instilled in her a strong work ethic. Her mother worked as an accountant, while her father, despite being an engineer, operated in the taxi business and managed pawn shops. Lantsman attended Langstaff Secondary School, where she was part of a French immersion program, acquiring fluency in French alongside English and Russian. She pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by graduate studies at the University of Ottawa and the Rotman School of Management.
Lantsman’s early involvement in politics began as a volunteer for Conservative Party candidates. By 2008, she was appointed a senior communications advisor in the Conservative government, which had formed a minority government at the time. She later became the Director of Communications for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving under Lawrence Cannon and John Baird from 2008 to 2011.
Her expertise in strategic messaging led her to the private sector, where she held roles such as Senior Public Affairs Advisor at The Coca-Cola Company and later as Senior Director for CIBC Capital Markets. In 2018, she played a key role in the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party’s election campaign, serving as chief spokesperson and war room director. This campaign resulted in the PC Party’s first majority government in Ontario since 2002.
Following the retirement of Peter Kent, Lantsman announced her candidacy for the Conservative nomination in Thornhill in 2020. With endorsements from former Prime minister Stephen Harper, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, and other high-profile Conservatives, she won the nomination in April 2021. In the 2021 federal election, she secured victory with 51.3% of the vote.
After her election, she was appointed the Opposition Critic for Transport in Erin O’Toole’s Shadow Cabinet and became vice-chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. When Pierre Poilievre became Conservative Leader, he selected Lantsman as one of the party’s two Deputy Leaders, alongside Tim Uppal.
As the first Jewish woman elected as a Conservative MP, Lantsman has been a vocal advocate against antisemitism and hate speech in Canada and abroad. Her dedication to Jewish causes is reflected in her involvement with the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee and Jewish Addiction Community Services (JACS). She has stated that inclusivity is essential for the party’s electoral success.
Beyond politics, Lantsman has built a reputation as a political commentator, appearing on CBC News’ Power & Politics and CTV’s Power Play. She has also hosted a radio show on CFRB 1010 AM, discussing political strategy and current affairs.
Her career in public relations has made her a sought-after expert for media training, debate preparation, and speech coaching. Prior to entering Parliament, she was a vice president at Enterprise Canada, a strategic public affairs firm.
Lantsman’s role in Canadian politics continues to evolve as she helps shape the Conservative Party’s approach to key issues. With her background in strategic communications and her experience in government, she remains a prominent voice within her party. As a deputy leader, she is well-positioned to influence the party’s direction and contribute to its electoral strategies in the coming years.
