In a historic first for the Punjabi diaspora, four individuals of Punjabi descent have been appointed to senior roles in Canada's newly sworn-in federal cabinet headed by Prime Minister Mark Carney. This is the most Punjabi representation in a Canadian cabinet yet.
On May 13th, Anita Anand is appointed as Canada's Foreign Minister, and she is a member of the Hindu community and is the first Hindu woman to be appointed as the Foreign Minister. She was sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita, which is in line with her culture. She has also served as Minister of National Defence and Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
The second is Maninder Sidhu, who is holding the portfolio of Minister of International Trade. Sidhu is the member for the Brampton East riding. His appointment demonstrates the increasing representation of the Indo-Canadian community in federal politics.
The third we have is Kamal Khera, Delhi-born Kamal Khera, who is appointed to be the Minister of Health. She is 36 years of age and is among the youngest females to have been elected to Parliament in Canada and has background experience as a registered nurse.
Randeep Singh Sarai is appointed as Secretary of State for International Development; Sarai is the Surrey Centre riding member. His parents hail from Punjab, India, Sarai Khas village. Sarai Khas village is located approximately 14 kilometers north of Jalandhar city, near Kartarpur.
These nominations indicate the growing representation and political influence of the Punjabi and wider Indian-origin community in Canadian politics.
List of Punjabi Chief Ministers:
- Anita Anand, the Minister of External Affairs (the first Indian-origin woman to hold the position of External Affairs Minister).
- Maninder Sidhu, the Cabinet Minister (Department of International Trade).
- Randeep Singh Sarai, the Minister of State (Department of International Development), is from Sarai Khas village, located near Jalandhar.
- Ruby Sahota, the Minister of State (Crime Prevention Department).