Indian Canadian Anita Anand In Running To Replace Justin Trudeau

India-West News Desk

OTTAWA – Anita Anand, a senior member of Canada’s Liberal Party, has emerged as a key contender to succeed Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister following his resignation on January 6, 2025. The resignation, which will prompt a leadership election by March 24, has sparked speculation over who will take the reins of the party. Other notable figures under consideration include Dominic LeBlanc, Chrystia Freeland, Melanie Joly, Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Mark Carney.

Anand’s leadership in defense and public procurement, has earned her recognition for her strategic and reform-driven approach.

Born in 1967 in Nova Scotia, to Indian immigrant parents, Saroj D. Ram and SV Anand, Anita Anand’s upbringing instilled values of hard work and determination. Raised alongside her two sisters, Gita and Sonia, Anand’s family history and experiences shaped her sense of ethics and commitment to service from an early age. She pursued higher education at Oxford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Jurisprudence, followed by both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in law from Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto.

Anand’s career also includes academic roles, such as teaching at Yale Law School and later serving as the Associate Dean at the University of Toronto. She also held the position of Director of Policy and Research at the Capital Markets Institute at the Rotman School of Management, enhancing her expertise in law and public policy.

In 1995, Anand married John Knowlton, a Canadian lawyer and business executive, whom she met during her law studies at the University of Toronto. The couple, who have four children, have called Oakville home for over two decades. Anand has represented Oakville in the House of Commons since 2019.

As Minister of National Defense, Anand brought about significant reforms to Canada’s military, focusing particularly on addressing sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces and overseeing Canada’s military support to Ukraine. Her leadership in this capacity has garnered praise for her ability to implement change in critical areas.

Beyond her political achievements, Anand is known for her advocacy on issues of inclusivity, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ rights, championing diversity and progressive policies throughout her career. As she looks toward a potential future as Prime Minister, Anand’s blend of experience, dedication to reform, and commitment to equality positions her as a prominent figure in Canadian politics.