Ottawa: In a significant shake-up of Canada’s federal Cabinet, Indian-origin politician Anita Anand has been appointed as the country’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs. The move comes as part of a wider reshuffle by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is forming his first Cabinet since taking office.

Anita Anand replaces Melanie Joly

Anita Anand replaces Melanie Joly, who has now been assigned the Minister of Industry portfolio. This transition is seen as a strategic realignment by the new Liberal government. Ms Anand, aged 58, is a senior member of the Liberal Party and has served in several high-profile positions, including as Minister of National Defence.

As part of the swearing-in ceremony, Anita Anand took her oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu holy book. She has followed this tradition during her past Cabinet appointments as well.

Carney’s cabinet: A new beginning

Prime Minister Carney’s Cabinet includes 28 ministers and aims to mark a clear departure from the previous Justin Trudeau era. With gender balance—women make up half of the Cabinet—and a focus on experience and diversity, the reshuffle sends a message of renewal.

The new team also features secretaries of state, a new addition to the Cabinet. Mr Carney emphasised that this Cabinet was formed to “deliver the change Canadians want and need,” particularly as the country navigates complex foreign relations, including with the United States.

After taking charge of her new role, Ms Anand posted on X 

“I am honoured to be named Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and our team to build a safer, fairer world and deliver for Canadians.”

A political journey rooted in service

Anita Anand currently represents Oakville East in the House of Commons, a seat she secured in the 2025 federal election. From 2019 to 2025, she served as the MP for Oakville, holding key portfolios including:

  • Minister of Public Services and Procurement
  • Minister of National Defence
  • Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
  • President of the Treasury Board

Background: From Nova Scotia to Parliament Hill

Born on May 20, 1967, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Anita Anand is the daughter of Indian immigrants Saroj D Ram and S.V. Anand, who moved to Canada in the early 1960s. Her mother hails from Punjab and her father from Tamil Nadu. She has two sisters, Gita and Sonia.

At the age of 18, Ms Anand moved to Ontario and pursued her academic career, earning:

  • A degree in Political Science
  • A BA (Honours) in Jurisprudence from Oxford University
  • Law degrees from Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto

She went on to have a distinguished career as a lawyer, educator, and public servant.

Personal life and achievements

In 1995, Ms Anand married John Knowlton, a Canadian lawyer and business executive. They live in Oakville with their four children.

In 2019, she made history as the first Hindu to serve in Canada’s federal Cabinet. Her work, especially as Defence Minister, has been widely praised for its clarity, discipline, and focus.

(With agency inputs)