Ahmad Attia Appointed to the Order of Ontario
Ahmad Attia’s appointment serves as a testament to a leader who has turned personal adversity into a lifelong pursuit of justice and community well-being, ensuring that the institutions of Ontario are more equitable for all.
Ahmad Attia, a prominent Mississauga-based leader and human rights advocate, has been named as an appointee to the 2025 Order of Ontario.
This prestigious honor, the province’s highest official recognition, is bestowed upon individuals whose exceptional achievements have left a lasting legacy in Ontario and beyond.
Attia’s inclusion in the 2025 cohort—alongside notable figures such as Don Cherry and Cameron Bailey—marks a significant milestone in a career dedicated to justice, systemic reform, and community service.
For many in the Greater Toronto Area, Attia is recognized as a transformative figure who has bridged the gap between grassroots advocacy and high-level institutional governance.
A Career Defined by Advocacy
Ahmad Attia’s journey into the heart of public service was forged through a profound personal trial.
In 2013, his brother-in-law was unlawfully detained during political upheaval in Egypt.
This crisis thrust Attia into the world of international diplomacy and human rights advocacy.
The successful global campaign he led to secure his relative’s release became the catalyst for his professional mission.
Following this experience, Attia transitioned from a background in engineering and corporate consulting to found Gestalt Communications (formerly Incisive Strategy).
His firm specializes in humanitarian diplomacy, crisis management, and countering disinformation, advising both governments and non-governmental organizations on complex human rights issues and accountability.
Reforming Public Institutions
In Ontario, Attia is perhaps most widely recognized for his impactful tenure on the Peel Police Services Board.
Serving as Chair during a period of significant social reckoning, he was a driving force behind efforts to modernize policing through a human-rights-based framework.
Under his leadership, the board entered a landmark memorandum of understanding with the Ontario Human Rights Commission to address and eliminate systemic racism.
Attia has consistently advocated for sustainable, long-term solutions over temporary fixes, emphasizing the importance of transparency and improved mental health crisis responses within the justice system.
His influence extends across various sectors of public life.
He has contributed his expertise to the boards of Trillium Health Partners and Human Rights Watch Canada, where he continues to shape policies that prioritize the public good and uphold the dignity of all citizens.
Rooted in Community
Despite his international reach, Attia remains deeply connected to his roots in Mississauga.
Upon the announcement of his appointment to the Order of Ontario, he dedicated the honor to his late father, Dr. El-Tantawy Attia, a revered community leader who spent decades building institutions to serve the province.
About the Order of Ontario
The Order of Ontario was established in 1986 to recognize residents of the province who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence and achievement in any field.
The 2025 appointees represent a diverse cross-section of Ontarians—from scientists and artists to community builders—who have enriched the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the province.
Ahmad Attia’s appointment serves as a testament to a leader who has turned personal adversity into a lifelong pursuit of justice and community well-being, ensuring that the institutions of Ontario are more equitable for all.
Sources:
- Government of Ontario Newsroom: 2025 Order of Ontario Appointees (Backgrounder)
- Official Website of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
- Public Records of the Peel Police Services Board
- Profiles of Gestalt Communications and Human Rights Watch Canada