In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Anita Anand as the country’s new Foreign Minister, replacing Mélanie Joly, who will now serve as the Minister of Industry. Following her appointment, Anand expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/NpPqyah9k3
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) May 13, 2025
Who is Anita Anand?
Anita Indira Anand is a distinguished Canadian lawyer, academic, and politician. Over the years, she has held various key positions, including Minister of Defence, Minister of Transport, and Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. Anand is also the first Hindu woman to be appointed as Canada’s Foreign Minister, marking a historic moment in Canadian politics.
Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to Indian immigrant parents, Anand’s family roots span across Punjab and Tamil Nadu. A scholar at heart, she earned multiple degrees, including 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.
Anand’s political career includes leading the Public Services and Procurement Ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing vaccine and PPE acquisitions, and later serving as Defence Minister. She spearheaded crucial reforms in Canada’s military, including addressing sexual misconduct and providing support to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
