Born to Indian immigrant doctor parents in 1967, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canadian politician Anita Anand has been sworn in as Canada’s new foreign minister. She was previously Canada’s defence minister. In a significant Cabinet reshuffle by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, even as he instituted his newly elected Liberal cabinet, Anand replaced Melanie Joly.

Anand was only 18 when she moved to Ontario to pursue a degree in political science, after which she completed Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence from Oxford University. She then pursued a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in law from Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto, respectively.

Anand, now 58, took to X to express her thoughts on her new role. “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.”

Carney also added that the Cabinet was chosen to “deliver the change Canadians want and need”.

Anand won the 2025 federal election representing the Oakville East riding in the House of Commons. She has held key portfolios, including Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Minister of National Defence, Transport and Internal Trade and President of the Treasury Board.

The new Cabinet has women making up half of the government. – editor@nrifocus.com