A world-class expert in governance

Anita Anand, Canada’s new Defence Minister, is the first female South Asian to hold the post. Prime minister Justin Trudeau described her as a “world-class expert in governance”.

Prior to taking on this responsibility, as Minister of Public Services and Procurement she oversaw vaccine contracts worth billions of dollars for vaccines and purchase of PPE. And before that, for over two decades, Anand was a legal academic, having taught at the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management, Yale Law School, Queen’s University and Western University.

Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, hers was one of very few South Asian families in the area. She recalls an idyllic childhood in a very welcoming community.

“They considered us one of them, we never felt like outsiders. We reflect very fondly on our years growing up there and I remain very close to them, as does my family.”

Her parents, both physicians, immigrated to Canada and Minister Anand is aware of the barriers foreign-trained professionals can face in trying to find meaningful employment.

“I am proud of the work our government is doing to help newcomers settle in and become part of the Canadian fabric,” she says.

Anand says it is very rewarding to be recognized as a role model at many levels, by newcomers, by women, and by those who want to enter public service.

“One of the reasons I chose to pursue this profession is because I wanted to show other women it is possible to achieve all that you dream of.”

To those that seek tips and guidance form her, she repeats her mother’s advice to her: Think big. Pursue your dreams. Work hard.

“My mother always said to keep working hard and to never give up. I have tried to live by those words.”