Two Indian-Origin Women Appointed to Canada’s New Cabinet. In a historic move, two Indian-origin women, Anita Anand and Kamal Khera, have been appointed to key positions in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly formed cabinet. Anita Anand, 58, will serve as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, while Kamal Khera, 36, has been named the Minister of Health. Both ministers are among the few who have retained their roles from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, underscoring their expertise and leadership in their respective fields.
Kamal Khera: A Rising Star in Canadian Politics
Kamal Khera, born in Delhi, India, is one of the youngest women ever elected to Canada’s Parliament. She moved to Canada during her school years and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from York University in Toronto. Before entering politics, Khera worked as a registered nurse in the oncology department of St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. Her dedication to public service was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when she returned to nursing in Brampton to support frontline efforts.
Khera’s political career began in 2015 when she was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Brampton West. Since then, she has held several key positions, including Minister of Seniors, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khera expressed her gratitude and commitment to her new role: “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.”
Anita Anand: A Trailblazer in Law and Governance
Anita Anand, born and raised in Nova Scotia, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. A distinguished scholar, lawyer, and researcher, Anand moved to Ontario in 1985 and became a professor of law at the University of Toronto. She held the prestigious J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance, earning recognition for her expertise in corporate law and governance.
Anand entered politics in 2019 as the MP for Oakville and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as President of the Treasury Board, Minister of National Defence, and Minister of Public Services and Procurement. Her leadership during critical moments, including the COVID-19 vaccine procurement, has been widely praised.
On X, Anand shared her vision for her new role: “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.”
A Diverse and Inclusive Cabinet
Prime Minister Mark Carney was sworn in on Friday in a ceremony presided over by Governor General Mary Simon. His cabinet, consisting of 13 men and 11 women, reflects Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The appointments of Anand and Khera highlight the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in Canadian politics and their contributions to the nation’s progress.
As Canada faces challenges in healthcare, innovation, and economic growth, the expertise and dedication of these two leaders will be instrumental in shaping the country’s future. Their stories of perseverance and service continue to inspire Canadians and underscore the importance of representation in leadership.
About the Author
Indian American Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center and a distinguished leader in the field, holding board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the U.S. Bureau Chief for The Desi Buzz, GCCStartup.News, and Startup Berita, where she contributes her insights on healthcare and innovation. As a committed member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is also pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. Certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy, she combines traditional healing techniques with modern medicine. Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. A passionate foodie, she enjoys creating recipes, experimenting with recipe hacks, and finding ways to make meals healthier and more delicious.
