Anita Anand: podcast appearances and interviews

Anita Indira Anand, born on May 20, 1967, is a Canadian politician and member of the Liberal Party. She was elected to the House of Commons in 2019 as the Member of Parliament for Oakville East. Anand has held several Cabinet portfolios since her election. Following her election, she was appointed to the Cabinet and has served in roles including Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Minister of National Defence, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. As Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Anand oversaw the federal government's procurement of vaccines and personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her role as Minister of National Defence, she was involved in Canadian efforts to provide military aid to Ukraine during the Russian invasion. From 2023 to 2024, she was the President of the Treasury Board, and from 2024 to 2025, she served as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. In 2025, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. Anand is recognized as the first Hindu woman elected to Parliament in Canada and the first Hindu member of Cabinet. She is also the second woman, after Kim Campbell, to serve as Minister of National Defence. She has been noted for her versatility within the government and was named Canada's most valuable politician by The Hill Times in 2021. Her career encompasses academic work, legal practice, and substantial political contributions.