Ottawa (Canada) – In a historic cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Anita Anand as Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs. This makes her the first Hindu woman to hold the role. She replaces Mélanie Joly, who now takes over as Minister of Industry.

A Groundbreaking Appointment

Anand, a senior Liberal Party member, took her oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita. This continues a tradition she has followed in all her previous Cabinet roles.

On X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:

“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.”

Diverse Cabinet Unveiled

Prime Minister Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau earlier this year, announced a 38-member cabinet on Tuesday. It includes 28 ministers and 10 Secretaries of State. His new government will focus on:

• Strengthening ties with the United States
• Tackling the cost of living
• Boosting Canada’s economy

Who is Anita Anand?

Anita Indira Anand is a Canadian lawyer, academic, and politician. She had served as Canada’s defence minister, transport minister and minister of innovation, science and industry so far. She is also the first Hindu woman to be appointed as Canada’s Foreign Minister.

Anand was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to Indian immigrant doctor parents who moved to Canada from India in the early 1960s. Her mother is from Punjab, and her father is from Tamil Nadu. She has two sisters, Gita and Sonia.

Anita Anand is a scholar, lawyer, researcher, and mother of four children, according to her profile on the Liberal Party website. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto.

Key Roles in Government

Anand previously served as:

• Minister of National Defence
• Minister of Transport
• Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

During the pandemic, she led vaccine procurement and oversaw military reform to tackle misconduct. She also directed military support for Ukraine.

Anand’s appointment signals Canada’s ongoing commitment to diversity, global leadership, and inclusive governance.

The Honourable Anita Anand | 

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