CANADA: Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, is among the leading contenders to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau announced on Monday that he would step down after the ruling Liberal Party selects a new leader ahead of the 2025 federal elections. His resignation has sparked rumors about his successor, with Indian-origin leader Anand being named as one of the top contenders.
Expressing her appreciation for Trudeau’s leadership, Anand shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, stating: “Thank you, Prime Minister. Thank you for your leadership and for your dedication to our country. It has been an honour and privilege to serve Canadians with you.”
Born in Nova Scotia, Anita Anand moved to Ontario in 1985, where she and her husband, John, raised their four children in Oakville. Anita Anand started as a Member of Parliament for Oakville, an elected position in 2019. Since then, she has held some of the country's most prominent positions, such as Minister of National Defence, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister of Public Services and Procurement. She served in the latter from 2019 to 2021.
She was instrumental in negotiating contracts for vaccines and protective equipment during the COVID-19 epidemic while working with the Public Services. As Defence Minister, she initiated reforms to address military sexual misconduct and led efforts to support Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
Anand, a scholar and lawyer, previously taught at the University of Toronto and other prestigious institutions. Her educational background includes degrees from Queen’s University, the University of Oxford, Dalhousie University, and the University of Toronto. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994. In September 2024, Anand assumed the role of Minister of Transport, adding to her extensive political career.
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