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Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies from Queen’s University (gold medalist, 1989).
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Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford.
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Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University.
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Master of Laws from the University of Toronto.
She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994 and built a distinguished career in law and academia, serving as a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto, where she held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance. She also taught at Yale Law School, Queen’s University, and Western University, focusing on corporate governance, financial markets, and shareholder rights. In 2019, she received the Yvan Allaire Medal from the Royal Society of Canada for contributions to governance.
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inister of Public Services and Procurement (2019–2021): Anand oversaw Canada’s procurement of vaccines, personal protective equipment, and rapid tests during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to Canada achieving one of the world’s highest vaccination rates by August 2021. Minister of National Defence (2021–2023): As the second woman in Canadian history to hold this role, Anand prioritized addressing sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.
She implemented recommendations from former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour’s review, transferring military sexual misconduct cases to civilian courts and issuing an official apology to victims. She also led Canada’s military aid to Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion, extending Operation Unifier and increasing personnel support.
President of the Treasury Board (2023–2024): Anand managed $450 billion in federal expenditures and oversaw 300,000 federal workers, while also serving as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade (2024). She focused on modernizing infrastructure, reducing internal trade barriers, and strengthening Canada-U.S. trade ties through the Regulatory Cooperation Council.Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (2025): Anand briefly held this role for two months under Prime Minister Mark Carney before her appointment as Foreign Minister. -
Minister of Foreign Affairs (2025–present): Appointed on May 13, 2025, Anand is the first visible minority and first Hindu woman to hold this position. She took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a practice she has followed in previous cabinet roles. Her appointment comes amid strained Canada-India relations and tense Canada-U.S. trade dynamics, with priorities including resetting ties with India, navigating U.S. tariff threats, and addressing global challenges like China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Achievements and Contributions -
COVID-19 Response: Anand’s leadership in securing medical supplies during the pandemic was widely praised, positioning Canada as a global leader in vaccination rates.
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Military Reforms: Her efforts to combat sexual misconduct and foster cultural change in the Canadian Armed Forces included accepting all 48 recommendations from Arbour’s 2022 report and issuing an apology for historical anti-Black racism faced by No. 2 Construction Battalion during World War I.
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Support for Ukraine: Anand’s tenure as Defence Minister saw significant Canadian military aid and training for Ukrainian forces, earning praise from Ukrainian officials.
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Diversity and Representation: As the first Hindu woman in Parliament and cabinet, Anand has been a vocal advocate for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, attending Hindu and Sikh community events and condemning vandalism against Indian figures and temples.
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Canada-India Relations
Anand’s appointment has drawn attention due to her Indian heritage and the ongoing tensions between Canada and India, particularly following the 2023 assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Her past statements, including condemning anti-India sentiments and urging unity after Nijjar’s killing, suggest a balanced approach. Observers note her role in shaping Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy could foster improved trade, security, and immigration ties with India, though resolving issues like the Khalistani movement will require nuanced diplomacy. Hindu groups in Canada, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have celebrated her appointment, while Sikh groups have not publicly reacted, reflecting underlying community tensions.
Anand is deeply connected to her Indian heritage, hosting Diwali celebrations and participating in India’s Independence Day events. She has served on boards for the Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children, Oakville Hospital Foundation, and Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution. A mother of four, she balances her political career with family life, recently celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary with Knowlton in 2025.
As Foreign Minister, Anand faces complex global challenges, including resetting Canada’s relationship with India, managing U.S. trade relations under President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, and addressing China’s regional assertiveness. Her disciplined leadership, crisis management experience, and progressive stance on diversity position her as a key figure in shaping Canada’s foreign policy. Posts on X reflect optimism about her potential to improve Canada-India ties, though her success will depend on navigating domestic sensitivities and international pressures.
Anand’s journey from rural Nova Scotia to one of Canada’s most prominent political roles underscores her dedication to public service, making her a historic and influential figure in Canadian politics.
Source- AI handle of X – gork
