Canada (Commonwealth Union)_ In a historic move, two Indian-origin women, Anita Anand and Kamal Khera, have secured prominent positions in the new Canadian Cabinet under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as the country’s leader, was sworn in alongside members of the 30th Canadian Ministry during the recent ceremony. Governor General Mary Simon presided over the event. Anand, a seasoned political leader, assumed the role of Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, while Khera took on the position of Minister of Health. Both women are among the few to retain ministerial roles from the previous Trudeau administration, although they have been assigned new portfolios.
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Anita Anand’s political journey
Anita Anand, born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, has had an extensive political career. After relocating to Ontario in 1985, she quickly became a notable figure in Canadian politics. Although she was a leading contender to replace Justin Trudeau as the next Prime Minister, Anand announced in January that she would not seek re-election. However, on March 1, she reversed her decision, emphasizing the importance of stepping up during what she described as a crucial moment in Canada’s history. Anand, 58, was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019. Her previous roles have included serving as President of the Treasury Board, Minister of National Defence, and Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
Anand’s deep legal expertise, having been a scholar, lawyer, and researcher, has shaped her career. Anand was also a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto and held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance. In her new role as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, Anand has made it clear that one of her key priorities will be supporting Canada’s economic growth. In a statement shared on social media, she highlighted the government’s focus on action and expressed eagerness to work alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney and her colleagues to achieve rapid and effective results for all Canadians.
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Kamal Khera’s rise in politics
Kamal Khera, born in Delhi, India, moved to Canada with her family during her school years. At 36 years old, Khera is one of the youngest women ever elected to the Parliament of Canada. She first entered Parliament in 2015 as the Member of Parliament for Brampton West. Over the years, she has served in various capacities, including Minister of Seniors, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue. Khera’s background in healthcare has played a significant role in shaping her political career. Before entering politics, she worked as a registered nurse, specifically in the oncology unit at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto.
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to her roots as a nurse, volunteering at a long-term care facility in Brampton and later administering vaccines in her community. In her new capacity as Minister of Health, Khera has expressed a commitment to supporting Canadians in need. Reflecting on her experiences in healthcare, she emphasized in a post on social media that her priority will be to stand by the patients, a mentality she plans to bring to her role as Minister of Health. “Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Khera stated, signaling her readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
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A smaller cabinet with a diverse representation
Prime Minister Carney’s newly formed Cabinet comprises 13 men and 11 women, a smaller group than the previous 37-member team under Trudeau. However, the diversity within the Cabinet, including the appointment of Anand and Khera, marks an important step toward greater representation and inclusivity in Canada’s political landscape. With both ministers having deep ties to the Indian-Canadian community, their appointments are considered a testament to the ongoing efforts to ensure diverse voices are heard at the highest levels of government. As Carney sets the direction for his administration, the appointments of Anand and Khera underscore the importance of experience, expertise, and commitment to serving all Canadians.
