Can Indian-origin Anita Anand replace Justin Trudeau as Canada's PM?

Dubai: The race to be Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's successor kicked off on Tuesday, a day after he resigned amid a looming trade war with the United States and a divisive political climate at home.

The country's new leader is likely to face elections soon after taking over from Trudeau in March.

With the incumbent Liberal Party faring badly in the polls, whoever wins the leadership contest could find themselves in the opposition and will focus on rebuilding the party.

Among the contenders for the top post is transport minister Anita Anand, 58, a scholar who taught at Yale and other major universities.

The process for electing a new leader of the party is a long one, but the Liberal party is likely to announce a shortened contest to ensure that Trudeau’s replacement is in office as soon as possible.

 Who is Anita Anand?

Anita Anand was born in 1967 to doctor-parents who migrated to Canada from India.

Anand grew up in Kentville and relocated to Ontario in 1985 to pursue her undergraduate degree in political studies. She later obtained her Canadian law degree before articling in Toronto.

Anand taught law at the University of Toronto, specialising in investor rights, capital markets and corporate governance. She provided Canadian officials with advice on financial policy and researched modernising securities legislation.

She jumped into politics in 2019 and represents the wealthy Toronto suburb of Oakville. Trudeau appointed her minister of public services and procurement, becoming the first Hindu cabinet minister in Canadian history.

Normally a low-profile cabinet post, Anand was thrust into the spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic as the government scrambled to get masks, protective equipment and vaccines. 

Her next job also put her in the hot seat just weeks before a global crisis. In October 2021 she was made defence minister; four months later, Russia attacked Ukraine, and Canada joined allies in sending military aid to Kyiv.

In 2023, Anand was made president of the Treasury Board, responsible for Canada's fiscal accounting and other government functions. Last year she revived a panel on US-Canada regulatory issues, to try and smooth trade. In the last few months of Trudeau's premiership, she was given a new assignment to handle transportation and internal trade matters.