Canada (Commonwealth Union)_ In a significant political development following Canada’s recent federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Sri Lankan-born Gary Anandasangaree as the country’s new Minister of Public Safety. The announcement was part of a sweeping cabinet reshuffle aimed at addressing key national and international challenges. Anandasangaree, a long-time Member of Parliament and prominent human rights advocate, will now head the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. This critical federal department is responsible for overseeing national internal security, border integrity, and emergency response. It also supervises major agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Correctional Service of Canada, and the Parole Board of Canada.
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Gary’s appointment was confirmed on May 13, 2025, as Prime Minister Carney unveiled his 28-member cabinet and 10 secretaries of state. The new government, formed just two weeks after a decisive election victory, has pledged to address pressing economic and security issues. Carney emphasized the need for decisive action to strengthen Canada’s economic and geopolitical standing, particularly amid an escalating trade dispute with the United States. “This is a team purpose-built for this hinge moment,” Carney stated during the cabinet swearing-in ceremony. The new cabinet includes a diverse mix of seasoned politicians and fresh voices, 24 of whom are new to the cabinet, including 13 first-time MPs. Notable returning ministers include Mélanie Joly and Chrystia Freeland.
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As Minister of Public Safety, Anandasangaree will have a major influence on Canada’s response to domestic and international security concerns. His responsibilities will include implementation of the Emergency Management Act, oversight of intelligence services, and collaboration with US counterparts on cross-border security issues, an area receiving heightened scrutiny in Washington. “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be sworn in as Minister of Public Safety,” Anandasangaree wrote on X (formerly Twitter) following the ceremony. “I look forward to building on the good work of David McGuinty, and I am committed to serving Canadians by keeping our communities safe, combatting hate, and strengthening our security agencies.”
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Anandasangaree’s political trajectory has been marked by a commitment to justice and reconciliation. Prior to this appointment, he served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and most recently, as Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations. He highlighted the progress made in his previous roles, particularly in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities. “Working together with Indigenous partners, we have built strong, respectful relationships, advanced reconciliation, and laid the groundwork for a better future,” he said. Thanking Prime Minister Carney for the trust placed in him, Anandasangaree added, “I am ready to work with my Cabinet and Caucus colleagues, our partner organizations, and all orders of government to unite, secure, protect, and build Canada.”
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in 1973, Gary Anandasangaree immigrated to Canada during his youth. He is the son of V. Anandasangaree, a notable Tamil political leader and former head of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF). A lawyer by profession and a passionate human rights advocate, he has been a prominent voice in Parliament since his election in 2015 as the Liberal MP for Scarborough—Rouge Park. Throughout his parliamentary career, Anandasangaree has championed refugee protection, academic freedom, and Indigenous rights. He was actively involved in initiatives supporting persecuted scholars, including the case of Dr. Hossein Raessi, an Iranian academic welcomed to Canada through a joint program by Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.
In addition to his legislative work, he held roles on key parliamentary committees, including the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Committee. His leadership was further recognized in 2021 with appointments as Parliamentary Secretary to both the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Justice. Anandasangaree’s support for Mark Carney during the 2025 Liberal leadership race has now positioned him at the heart of Canada’s national security strategy under Carney’s leadership. As the country navigates a shifting geopolitical landscape, his experience and background are expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding Canadian interests and promoting inclusive security policies.
