(March 21, 2025) On a crisp Ottawa morning, against the backdrop of Parliament Hill’s stone arches, two women with roots tracing back to India took their oaths as ministers in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly formed cabinet. Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera joined their colleagues at a ceremony that marked a special day for Canada’s political landscape. Their appointment isn’t just about filling positions—it’s a proud moment that shows how far they’ve come from their early days bridging Indian heritage and Canadian identity.
Anita Anand, now the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, and Kamal Khera, who has taken on the role of Minister of Health, are living proof that our diverse backgrounds can help build a stronger country. Their personal journeys and the way they blend their Indian roots with Canadian values have inspired many, both in Canada and among the wider Indian diaspora.
Kamal Khera and Anita Anand
From Kentville to Academia: How Anita Anand’s Immigrant Roots Shaped Her Path
Anita Anand’s timeline begins in the quiet town of Kentville, Nova Scotia, where she was born to Indian immigrant parents in 1967. Her parents, both physicians, had moved from India to Canada during the 1960s. “I come from a family that made the brave choice to start over in a new country,” she said in interview. Her father’s family is from Chennai and her mother’s from Punjab. “I am proud to be of both Tamil and Punjabi ancestry… I have grown up loving both of these cultures within the Indian diaspora,” she added. Growing up in a small town, Anita learned early on how to balance her Indian traditions with the everyday life of a Canadian community – celebrating Diwali with as much fervour as she did Canada Day.
At 18, she moved to Ontario to attend Queen’s University. This was a turning point for her —studying political studies and later law, she built a strong foundation in academics. Over the years, Anita earned several degrees, including a Bachelor’s from Queen’s, an LL.B. from Dalhousie University, and an LLM from the University of Toronto. Before entering politics, she was a respected law professor at the University of Toronto. She even held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law. Her time in academia not only sharpened her legal mind but also taught her the importance of fairness and clear communication.
Her Quick Rise in Politics and Innovation
Her entry into public life came relatively late but with lightning speed. She was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019. From the start, Anita was driven by a desire to make a difference. “I always wanted to serve my community and help build a better future for everyone,” she said in one interview. During the COVID-19 crisis, as Minister of Public Services and Procurement, she played a vital role in securing vaccines and essential medical supplies. By 2021, she made history as Canada’s Minister of National Defence – the first Indian-origin woman in the role – leading key military reforms and bolstering global security. She focused on modernising Canada’s armed forces and making the workplace safer by addressing issues like harassment and discrimination.
Anita Anand
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned in early 2025 after nine years in power, Anand was widely seen as a front-runner to succeed him. Even though she initially decided not to run for party leader, she later returned, saying, “Canada is facing a crucial moment in our nation’s history.” Though Mark Carney ultimately became the new prime minister, Anand’s reputation and record of public service earned her a new role that fits her strengths perfectly. In her current position, she is responsible for driving innovation and helping Canadian businesses grow—a task that involves working closely with government agencies and regional development bodies.
In one of her first statements as Minister of Innovation, she said, “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, that negativity won’t bring down the price of groceries. We are united and strong, and we will immediately get to work, to build the Canada and the Canadian economy of tomorrow.” Her words reflect a practical, can-do attitude that has defined her career.
Kamal Khera’s Journey: Balancing Her Indian Heritage with a New Life in Canada
Kamal Khera’s story, on the other hand, spans continents. She was born in New Delhi in 1989, growing up immersed in the sights and sounds of India. As a child, she spoke Punjabi at home and enjoyed the close bonds of an Indian joint family. Her father, Harminder Singh, worked at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and her mother, Gursharan Kaur, was a teacher. When Khera was 10 years old, her family moved to Canada—a change that marked the start of a new chapter in her life.
Kamal Khera with Justin Trudeau
Arriving in Canada as a young girl, Khera had to navigate a new culture while still holding onto her Indian identity. She remembers how, even as a young student, she balanced learning English with speaking Punjabi at home. She remembers helping her mother cook Indian dishes in their Brampton kitchen and attending a local Gurudwara on weekends, even though her weekdays were full of Canadian classes. This mix of cultures built both her strength and compassion. By her teen years in Brampton, a city known for its Indo-Canadian community, Khera had grown to proudly identify as Indian-Canadian. She once said she felt “at home” in two places at once: “I can be Punjabi and Canadian – one does not cancel out the other.”
From Nursing and Personal Loss to Championing Health in Politics
Kamal chose nursing as a way to give back to community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from York University in Toronto and worked as a registered nurse in the oncology unit at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Losing her father to illness made caring for others very personal for her and strengthened her resolve to help patients and families. Even after entering politics, her background in nursing remained a key part of her identity. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Canada was in crisis, 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,” according to the Prime Minister’s official website. This return to the frontlines—wearing scrubs to care for the elderly during a deadly outbreak—won her widespread admiration as a politician who never forgot where she came from.
Her passion for service soon led her into politics. At the age of 26, Khera was elected as the Member of Parliament for Brampton West—a riding with a large South Asian community that shared her immigrant experience. Even at a young age, she quickly made a name for herself. Over the years, she served in several key roles, including Minister of Seniors and various positions as a Parliamentary Secretary. Each step of her journey reflected her commitment to her community and her determination to give back.
When Prime Minister Carney reshuffled the cabinet in 2025, Khera’s appointment as Minister of Health was widely celebrated. It was a role that perfectly combined her professional background with her personal passion. “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,” the Global Indian said, inspiring confidence and underscoring her readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
The Bigger Picture: Indians Rising in Canadian Politics
The stories of Anita Anand and Kamal Khera are part of a larger trend. Over the past few decades, Indian-origin politicians have steadily climbed the ladder in Canada. Figures like Herb Dhaliwal, who became the first Indo-Canadian cabinet minister in 1997, set the stage for a new generation of leaders. Under Justin Trudeau’s leadership, more Indian-origin ministers entered the cabinet, with roles in defence, innovation, and diversity. Now, with Anand and Khera holding key portfolios, the presence of the Indian community in Canadian politics has never been stronger.
Canada PM Mark Carney’s cabinet
This rising representation is not just about numbers; it’s about how these leaders connect with diverse communities and bring unique perspectives to policy-making. Their journeys remind us that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity—a mix of traditions and fresh ideas that work together to solve common challenges. As Indian-origin politicians continue to take on important roles in Canada, they inspire many young immigrants who see their own stories reflected in these leaders.
Leaders Shaping a Bright Future in Canada
Anita Anand and Kamal Khera’s paths to high office are inspiring tales of dedication, service, and resilience. From small-town beginnings in Nova Scotia and bustling streets of Delhi to the halls of Canada’s Parliament, they have carried their Indian heritage with pride and integrated it with Canadian values. Their stories are written in the everyday language of hard work, community, and hope—showing that success is not measured by where you come from but by what you bring to the table.
Their journeys offer a blueprint for other immigrants who dream of making a difference. In a country that values diversity and inclusion, their rise is a proof to the opportunities available when one combines cultural roots with a commitment to public service. As Canada moves forward under a new government, the influence of leaders like Anand and Khera will continue to shape policies that benefit all Canadians, proving that a rich heritage can indeed build a bright future.
