In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Anita Anand has been appointed as Canada’s new foreign minister by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Anand, of Indian descent, previously held the position of Minister of Defense and takes over from Melanie Jolie, who has now assumed the role of Minister of Industry. At 58, Anand, a prominent member of the Canadian Liberal Party, reaffirmed her commitment by taking her oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a practice she also maintained during her earlier appointments.
This overhaul coincides with PM Carney’s efforts to refresh the recently elected liberal cabinet, which consists of 28 ministers. The introduction of a state secretary is aimed at signaling a departure from the previous administration under Justin Trudeau. The cabinet seeks a balance of experience and diversity, with women comprising half of its members. Carney emphasized that the new cabinet is intended to “deliver the change Canadians want and need,” particularly in light of existing tensions in Canada-US relations.
After her swearing-in, Anand expressed her enthusiasm on X, stating, “We are honored to be appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. We look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and our team to build a safer and more equitable world and becoming Canadians.”
Anand represents Oakville East Riding in the House of Representatives, having secured her seat in the 2025 federal election. She previously served Oakville from 2019 to 2025 and has held various key portfolios, including Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Minister of Defense, and President of the Finance Committee.
About Anita Anand
Born on May 20, 1967, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Anand is the child of Indian immigrant doctors, with roots in Punjab and Tamil Nadu. She has two sisters, Gita and Sonia.
After moving to Ontario in 1985 at the age of 18, Anand earned a degree in political science followed by an honors Bachelor of Arts in Law from Oxford. She also holds Master’s degrees in Law from Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto. Over time, she has established a robust career in law, education, and public service.
Married to Canadian lawyer John Knowlton since 1995, they have four children and reside in Oakville. Anand made history as the first Hindu to serve in Canada’s federal cabinet in 2019 and has received praise for her rigorous approach, especially during her tenure as Minister of Defense.
