Canadian Cabinet: 2 Indian-Origin Women Join

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera join Canadian PM Mark Carney’s cabinet.
Anita Anand is appointed as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
Kamal Khera will serve as the Minister of Health in the new cabinet.
Kamal Khera is one of the youngest women ever elected to the Canadian Parliament.
Carney’s cabinet is smaller than Trudeau’s, comprising 13 men and 11 women.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera have joined Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet. Both women have secured significant portfolios. Anand is the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. Khera serves as the Minister of Health. Carney’s new cabinet reflects a blend of experience and diversity.

Liberal Party’s Carney was sworn in alongside members of the 30th Canadian Ministry on Friday. The ceremony was presided over by Governor General Mary Simon.

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Anand, 58, is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Khera, 36, is the Minister of Health. Both are among the few retaining their ministerial posts. They hold different portfolios from former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet. The rise of these women in Canadian politics is inspiring.

Delhi-born Khera’s family shifted to Canada when she was still in school. She later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from York University, Toronto.

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The Prime Minister of Canada’s website mentions that Khera was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Brampton West in 2015. “Minister Khera is one of the youngest women ever elected to Parliament. A registered nurse, community volunteer, and political activist, she is passionate about improving the lives of those around her,” it said.

Delhi-born Khera said in a post on X, “As a nurse, my top priority is to always be there to support my patients and that’s the same mentality I’ll bring every day to the role of Minister of Health. Extremely grateful for the confidence of PM @MarkJCarney. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Khera has previously served as Minister of Seniors, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. Her extensive experience makes her well-suited for the role.

Before entering politics, she worked as a registered nurse in the oncology unit at St Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. “During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, she went back to her roots as a registered nurse to volunteer at a hard-hit long-term care facility in her hometown of Brampton,” the website adds.

Anand, who was a front-runner in the race to be the next prime minister to replace Trudeau, had declared that she is backing out from the race in January. She also stated that she would not be seeking re-election. However, she reversed the decision on March 1. She said, “Canada is facing a crucial moment in our nation’s history.”

Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Anand moved to Ontario in 1985. Her diverse background enriches her perspective.

Anand said in a post on X, “I am honoured to be sworn in as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development in @MarkJCarney’s Government. We know that negativity won’t pay the rent or the mortgage. Negativity won’t bring down the price of groceries. Negativity won’t win a trade war. We are united and strong and we will immediately get to work, to build the Canada and the Canadian economy of tomorrow.”

The Prime Minister of Canada’s website mentions that Anand was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019 and previously served as President of the Treasury Board, as Minister of National Defence, and as Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

“Anand has worked as a scholar, lawyer, and researcher. She has been a legal academic, including as a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto, where she held the J R Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance,” it said. It also listed her other academic achievements too. Her impressive credentials position her well for the role.

Carney’s cabinet with 13 men and 11 women is smaller than Trudeau’s 37-member team. This streamlined cabinet may allow for more efficient decision-making.

Carney said in a post on X along with the photo of his cabinet after the swearing in ceremony, “Canada, meet your new cabinet. We’ve built a smaller, focused, and experienced team that is made to meet this moment.” This cabinet will play a critical role in moving Canada forward.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Anita Anand becomes Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
Kamal Khera will serve as the Minister of Health.
Kamal Khera is one of the youngest women ever elected to the Canadian Parliament.
Carney’s cabinet is smaller compared to Trudeau’s.
Carney says his team is made to meet the moment.