Anita Anand | From scholar to diplomat

Anita Anand’s appointment as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) marks a historic milestone. She is the first Hindu and the first woman of Indian origin to hold this pivotal role. The move is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s significant Cabinet reshuffle aimed at redefining Canada’s foreign policy amidst shifting global dynamics.

Ms. Anand’s elevation was marked by symbolism and substance: she took the oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, reaffirming her connection to her cultural roots while signalling a principled approach to public life.

Ms. Anand was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, in 1967 to Indian immigrants, her mother Saroj Anand, originally from Amritsar, and her father, S.V. Anand, a general surgeon from Tamil Nadu. Her paternal grandfather, V.A. Sundaram, was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi since 1915 and was sent to Europe to spread the message about India’s independence in 1931. Sundaram was also an aide to Madan Mohan Malaviya.

The family’s story reflects a larger narrative of immigration and integration that shaped the late 20th century Canada. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia and Ontario, Ms. Anand stood out for her academic dedication and sense of civic responsibility.

Academic background

Ms. Anand’s academic journey is as distinguished as her political one. She earned a Bachelor of Arts 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. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1994.

Her scholarship focused on corporate governance, financial markets regulation, and investor protection. As a law professor at the University of Toronto, she held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance. She also advised public institutions such as the Ontario Securities Commission and contributed to national conversations on transparency, oversight, and the ethical responsibilities of institutions.

Her career in academia was not confined to lecture halls. Ms. Anand served on the boards of numerous community and not-for-profit organisations in Oakville and Toronto, reflecting a broader commitment to public engagement well before she entered federal politics.

Crisis-tested leadership

Ms. Anand entered politics in 2019, winning the Oakville seat for the Liberal Party. She was appointed Minister of Public Services and Procurement just months into her first term, an early indication of the trust placed in her capabilities.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, and vaccine diplomacy became a matter of national security, Ms. Anand led Canada’s procurement efforts. She negotiated and secured contracts that delivered millions of vaccine doses to Canadians under challenging international conditions. Her steady, fact-based leadership during the crisis earned her broad bipartisan praise.

In 2021, she was entrusted with the Ministry of National Defence. There, she initiated institutional reforms to address misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces and coordinated Canada’s defence posture in the context of the Ukraine war. Under her watch, Canada expanded its military support and training missions for Ukraine, and Ms. Anand became a frequent voice in multilateral forums on democratic resilience and collective security.

She then served as President of the Treasury Board from 2023 to 2024, overseeing federal spending and public service operations. Later, she was appointed Minister of Transport, with additional responsibility for internal trade. Across all these roles, her hallmark has been operational transparency, data-driven policy, and a belief in good governance.

Road ahead

As she takes the helm at the Global Affairs Canada, Ms. Anand stands at a crossroads of diplomacy and domestic legacy. Her presence on the world stage offers a new voice for Canada and a deeper promise, that of governance shaped by experience, anchored in justice, and open to all.

As Foreign Minister, Ms. Anand steps into a role fraught with complexities, including managing Canada’s relationship with the U.S. amid trade tensions and redefining Canada’s position on the global stage. Prime Minister Carney has emphasised the need for a new economic and security relationship with the U.S., which will require Ms. Anand’s diplomatic acumen.