Our Bureau
Toronto
Two prominent Indian-origin ministers, Anita Anand and Kamal Khera, have been appointed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly formed cabinet. Anand, 58, serves as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, while Khera, 36, takes on the role of Minister of Health. Their inclusion marks a significant representation of diversity in Canadian politics.
Anita Anand, originally from Nova Scotia, has had a distinguished career in both academia and politics. Before entering public service, she was a law professor at the University of Toronto and held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance. First elected as a Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019, Anand previously held key positions such as President of the Treasury Board and Minister of National Defence. She was also considered a frontrunner to succeed Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister but ultimately decided to withdraw from the leadership race earlier this year.
Kamal Khera, born in Delhi and raised in Canada, is one of the youngest women ever elected to the Canadian Parliament. She was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Brampton West in 2015. Khera has a background as a registered nurse and has served in various capacities, including Minister of Seniors and Parliamentary Secretary to several ministers. Her commitment to healthcare is evident as she emphasizes her nursing experience in her new role as Minister of Health.
Carney’s cabinet is notably smaller than Trudeau’s previous team, comprising 13 men and 11 women. This streamlined approach aims to create a more focused government capable of addressing pressing national issues. Anand and Khera’s appointments not only highlight their individual qualifications but also symbolize the increasing influence of women of Indian heritage in Canadian politics.
