Quick Info
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Date of Birth | 28/04/1972 |
| Age | 54 years |
| Birthplace | Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Latest News about Anita Anand
14/05/2025
Anita Anand was sworn in as Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs in a cabinet reshuffle led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. She became the first Hindu woman to hold the post, and the ceremony drew attention because she took the oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita.
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Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Anita Indira Anand |
|---|---|
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Ethnicity | Tamilian |
Physical Stats & More
| Height | 160 cm |
|---|---|
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Degrees |
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Personal Life
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Marriage Date | 07/01/1995 |
| Husband | John Knowlton |
| Children | 4 |
Family
| Father | Sundaram Vivek (Andy) Anand (deceased) |
|---|---|
| Mother | Saroj Daulat Ram (deceased) |
| Siblings |
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Career
| Overview | Anita Anand began her career as a lawyer, transitioned into academia, and later entered Canadian politics. |
|---|---|
| Legal Career | After completing her articleship, she was called to the Ontario Bar in 1994 and worked as an associate at Torys until 1997. |
| Academic Career | She served as an assistant professor at several institutions, including Western University and Queen’s University, and held leadership roles. She was the inaugural Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission's Investor Advisory Panel from 2010 to 2012 and president of the Canadian Law and Economics Association from 2009 to 2011. She was a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto, holding the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance, and taught at Yale University. |
| Political Career | Anita Anand was elected as the Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019. She served as Minister of Public Services and Procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic, then as Minister of National Defence, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. In 2025, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in a cabinet reshuffle under Prime Minister Mark Carney, becoming the first Hindu woman to hold this position. |
Social Media
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaanandmp |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Anita Anand has a rich cultural heritage, born to a Tamilian father and a Punjabi mother in Kentville. | |
| 2. Her parents immigrated to Nova Scotia from Nigeria in the early 1960s, and Anita has fond memories of growing up in an underrepresented South Indian community. | |
| 3. Anita’s parents were die-hard followers of Mahatma Gandhi, and her father had the opportunity to meet him during the Indian Independence Movement. | |
| 4. After completing her high school education, she moved to Ontario for further studies, highlighting a significant geographical shift in her life. | |
| 5. While working at Torys, she met her husband John Knowlton, marking a personal and professional milestone. | |
| 6. Anita became the first Hindu woman elected to Canada’s Parliament, showcasing a breakthrough in political representation. | |
| 7. Anita’s parents were followers of Mahatma Gandhi, and her father had the opportunity to meet him during the Indian Independence Movement. | |
| 8. Anita became the first Hindu woman elected to Canada’s Parliament, marking a breakthrough in political representation. | |
| 9. Anita took the oath of office as Foreign Minister with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a significant moment for the Hindu community in Canada. |