Born in Uganda, Salim and his family alongside thousands of South Asians were forced to flee their homes in 1972. After spending almost one year in a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camp in Italy, Salim and his family arrived in Canada in 1973, first calling Kitchener-Waterloo, and now Ottawa, home.

Salim has always held a passion for international affairs, human rights and community service. He obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Trade from the University of Waterloo before obtaining his law degree from the University of Ottawa and a Masters in International Affairs from Carleton University (NPSIA). 

Salim started his legal career with the Law Commission of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and is currently a lawyer with the Department of Justice, Canada and has previously provided strategic advice on justice and security sector reform in fragile states. 

Salim serves his community in a number of areas including currently as a Member of the Ottawa Police Services Board and supporting the Uganda Collection at Carleton University.