Former Indo-Canadian Minister, Anita Anand has been named Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Prime Minister Mike Carney’s government. She replaces Mélanie Joly, who moves to Industry.
PM Carney announced a major Cabinet shakeup on Tuesday as he shapes a newly re-elected Liberal government.
Anand, MP for Oakville East, Ontario, served previously as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of National Defence, and Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
The other three South Asians in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet of 28 members announced on Tuesday are:
– Maninder Sidhu (MP for Brampton East, Ontario), who was appointed Minister of International Trade;
– Shafqat Ali (MP for Brampton—Chinguacousy Park, Ontario), who has been made President of the Treasury Board; and
– Gary Anandasangaree (MP for Scarborough–Guildwood–Rouge Park, Ontario), who has been appointed Minister of Public Safety.
There are two South Asians among the 10 new secretaries of state that were also named:
– Ruby Sahota (MP for Brampton North—Caledon, Ontario), for Combatting Crime; and
– Randeep Sarai (MP for Surrey Centre, B.C.), for International Development.
Carney said: “Canada’s new Ministry is built to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve. Everyone is expected and empowered to show leadership – to bring new ideas, a clear focus, and decisive action to their work.”
François-Philippe Champagne retains the Finance portfolio. He will also be Revenue Minister.
Dominic LeBlanc will be President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy.
David McGuinty moves from Public Safety to National Defence.
Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony, Carney said: “Canadians elected this new government with a strong mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States and to build a stronger economy for all Canadians.
“The Canadians also sent a clear message that their cost of living must come down and that our communities must be safe.”
The Prime Minister added: “The swearing-in of this cabinet is amongst the fastest following an election, and the beginning of the new Parliament will be one of the most rapid following an election in Canadian history.
“We are starting as we aim to go on, our government will deliver its mandate for change with urgency and determination. We’re going to deliver that mandate with a new team purpose built for this hinge moment in Canada’s history.”
