After nearly ten years as Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau is stepping down, and Canadians are now wondering who will take his place. According to the latest reports presented by various online media sources, one name that’s getting a lot of attention for leading the Liberal Party is Anita Anand. She’s known for her dedication, expertise, and leadership. But who is Anita Anand, and why is she seen as a strong candidate to be Canada’s next leader?
According to media reports, Anita Anand was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to an Indian family. Her parents, who were both doctors, belonged to different parts of India; her father belonged to Punjab and her mother belonged to Tamil Nadu. Anita grew up in a home that focused on service and doing good for people, which motivated her to serve and make a difference in the lives of people.

Anita Anand’s education is as impressive as her career. According to reports, she has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Studies from Queen’s University and a law degree from Dalhousie University. But it did not stop there; she completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) at the University of Toronto and even at Oxford University to broaden her world view. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1994, her legal acumen became one of the primary assets in her political career.
Before Anita Anand entered into politics, she was a professor of law in the University of Toronto, working on corporate governance and investor protection, according to media reports. She also performed several academic and policy roles, which provided rich experience in public policy and governance—significant skills for her later journey in politics.
As per sources, Anita Anand started her political career in 2019 when she was elected as the Member of Parliament for Oakville. Known for tackling tough issues, she quickly became an important part of Prime Minister Trudeau’s cabinet. Over time, she’s taken on several major roles, showing her wide range of skills and strong leadership.
In 2020, Anita Anand became the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, where she took on a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was responsible for securing vaccines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing kits, making sure they reached Canadians quickly. Her efforts earned her widespread praise and recognition.
Anita Anand faced another big challenge in 2021 when she became Minister of National Defence. According to the sources, she focused on tackling serious issues in the Canadian Armed Forces, especially around sexual misconduct, and worked to create a safer environment for military members. At the same time, she strongly supported Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, showing her ability to handle both domestic and international challenges.

Although Anita Anand has faced setbacks, like being reassigned during a cabinet shuffle, she remains a highly respected leader within her party. Her calm approach, practical mindset, and dedication to reform have earned her admiration from people across the political spectrum.
Outside of politics, Anita Anand is a dedicated mother and wife who treasures her family. As per sources, after moving to Ontario in the 1980s, she settled in Oakville with her husband, John, where they raised their four children. Her experience as a parent and her strong family values give her a grounded perspective on both life and leadership.
Anand’s ability to balance her family life and career has made her relatable to many Canadians. Her upbringing and personal values shine through in her politics, where she focuses on public service, integrity, and fairness.

As Canada looks for its next leader, Anita Anand’s name is quickly gaining attention. With her experience in important government roles, a strong legal background, and a proven record of practical leadership, she’s a strong candidate for Prime Minister. Whether it’s her work during the pandemic or her efforts to reform the military, Anand has repeatedly shown she can handle tough issues and find solutions.
Image credit: X/@AnitaAnandMP