Zaib Shaikh assumed the position of Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles in December 2018, serving as the Government of Canada's senior representative in Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. Prior to this appointment, Shaikh had a distinguished career in the media and entertainment industries, showcasing his versatility as an actor, producer, and creative force.
Throughout his career, Shaikh has made notable contributions to the world of theatre, film, and television. His acting credits include appearances in Deepa Mehta's film Midnight's Children, as well as the starring role in the CBC comedy series Little Mosque on the Prairie, which has been broadcast in over 80 countries. Additionally, Shaikh co-produced the special Long Story Short: CBC Turns 75 and co-wrote, directed, and co-produced the film Othello: The Tragedy of the Moor. He also co-founded and served as an artistic producer for the Whistler Theatre Project in British Columbia.
Before his appointment as Consul General, Shaikh served as the Film Commissioner and Director of Entertainment Industries for the City of Toronto from 2014 to 2018. During his tenure, he oversaw and grew the city's screen, music, live festival, sporting event, and tourism sectors, ultimately helping to double the value of film production in Canada's largest city, which exceeded $2 billion in 2016.
Shaikh has also demonstrated his commitment to community service by serving on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and AFC (formerly the Actors Fund of Canada). He has also served on juries and committees for the Gemini Awards, ACTRA Awards, Ontario Arts Council, and Theatre Ontario Youth Program, as well as acting as an ambassador for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Amnesty International Canada.
In his personal life, Shaikh is married to Ms. Kirstine Stewart, and they have two children together.
