Pursue —> Change
OTLF is honoured to have former Minister of Research and Innovation, Dr. Reza Moridi, on our team as a supportive figure for the foundation's community. Dr. Moridi's vibrant energy and stories from his past have inspired the youth involved in OTLF and allowed them to set their goals high for their futures. Dr. Reza Moridi was born and raised in Urmia, Iran. He completed his Master's Degree in physics from Tehran University and later ventured to London, England, to achieve his Doctorate from Brunel University. Later in his life, Dr. Moridi was elected Fellow of the Institute of Physics and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology of the UK for his contributions to physics and engineering. Before running for elected office, Dr. Moridi worked at the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada, serving as the Vice-President and Chief Scientist.
Dr. Moridi entered politics in 2007 when he successfully ran to represent the riding of Richmond Hill in Ontario's Provincial Parliament and became the first Iranian-Canadian to become an elected official. He successfully ran again in 2011 and 2014. Throughout his time in the government, Dr. Moridi held various portfolios in Ontario's Cabinet. He served as Minister of Research, Innovation, and Science as well as Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities. His work was vital in helping the Ontario government transform Ontario's innovation sector and establish start-ups and entrepreneurial programs in all Universities and Colleges.
Additionally, he helped launch the most extensive modernization of Ontario's Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which aided approximately 235,000 students and 13,000 single parents across the province in obtaining higher education for free. He also helped transform the University funding formula and initiated major capacity and expansion, announcing a York University campus in collaboration with Seneca College in Markham. Dr. Moridi is a man of many successes and has played a significant role in developing OTLF and those involved. His stories of hard work, passion, and determination have inspired the OTLF youth community and will continue to inspire upcoming youth as the foundation grows.
