New Delhi: Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Indian-origin politician Anita Anand as Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs in a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle aimed at redefining the country’s international posture and economic priorities. Anand succeeds Melanie Joly, who has been moved to the role of Minister of Industry.
Anand’s appointment marks a major milestone in the new Carney-led Liberal government, which was re-elected last month. A seasoned Cabinet member, Anand previously served as Canada’s defence minister and held portfolios including public services and procurement, transport and internal trade, and president of the treasury board.
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
Born to Indian immigrant parents
Known for her disciplined and pragmatic approach, Anand took the oath of office on Bhagavad Gita, a tradition she has followed in previous swearing-in ceremonies. The 58-year-old MP from Oakville East pledged to work toward a “safer, fairer world” in her new role. In a post on X, 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.”
Congratulate @AnitaAnandMP on your appointment as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
🇮🇳 🇨🇦
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 14, 2025
Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to Indian immigrant parents from Punjab and Tamil Nadu, Anand has built a distinguished career as a legal academic and public servant. She earned degrees in political science, law, and jurisprudence from institutions including Oxford University, Dalhousie, and the University of Toronto.
Refreshing the Liberal government
The Cabinet reshuffle is part of Carney’s effort to refresh the Liberal government and distinguish it from the Justin Trudeau era. The newly appointed 28-member Cabinet includes several new faces, such as former journalist Evan Solomon as Minister of Artificial Intelligence, and former Goldman Sachs Canada CEO Tim Hodgson as Minister of Natural Resources. Importantly, women make up half of the Cabinet, continuing the gender parity maintained under Trudeau.
