Canada’s transport minister and President of the Treasury Board, Anita Anand, has decided to contest the 2025 federal elections, reversing her earlier announcement to step away from public life.
Citing the challenges posed by the ongoing tariff war with the United States, Anand reiterated her commitment to prioritising Canada’s interests. “Canada is facing a crucial moment in our nation’s history. In the time since early January, when I made my announcement to step away from public life, the gravity of this moment has only grown in significance. Now, I look forward to continuing to serve and to running in the next federal election,” she wrote on X.
She highlighted her recent efforts on the Canada-US trade front and reducing interprovincial trade barriers, adding, “The words of my late mother ring even louder in my ears today. She often said to me, ‘you must serve your country.’”
Anand, the first woman of Indian origin to serve as Canada’s minister of national defence, had initially planned to return to academia. She was also viewed as a strong contender to lead the Liberal Party after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his decision to step down amid internal dissent. However, she opted out of the leadership race.
Trudeau’s government has survived multiple no-confidence motions brought by the Conservatives, relying on the New Democrats for support. However, after the New Democrats also turned against him, Trudeau offered to resign and requested the Governor-General to prorogue the House of Commons until March 24 to allow the Liberals to select a new leader. The leadership race features Mark Carney, Frank Baylis, Chrystia Freeland, and Karina Gould, with the winner to be decided by March 9.
Several Liberal MPs, including three Cabinet ministers of Indian origin—Anand, Harjit Sajjan, and Arif Virani—had previously announced they would not seek re-election. While Sajjan and Virani remain out, Anand has changed course and will contest from Etobicoke, the riding she currently represents. However, her candidacy has yet to be reflected on the Liberal Party’s official website.
