Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, July 26th, involving the reassignment of portfolios for existing ministers and the swearing-in of new ones. Let’s understand Multiculturalism & immigration’s role in shaping Trudeau’s cabinet.
While cabinet reshuffles are commonplace every two years, July’s shuffle stands out not only for its major impact on the government’s popularity. But also for the cultural and racial variety seen in Trudeau’s newly constituted cabinet. Continue reading to learn how immigration aided in the formation of one of Canada’s most diverse cabinets in history.
Multiculturalism & immigration’s role in shaping Trudeau’s cabinet – Portfolio shuffles
Anita Anand
Anita Anand has been named President of Canada’s Treasury Board, after her prior roles as Minister of National Defense and Receiver General of Canada. She also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Oakville, her electoral district.
Anand is from Nova Scotia, and his ancestors were Indian physicians who immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in the early 1960s.
Anand has a distinguished academic background in addition to her political pursuits. She was appointed a professor at Queen’s University’s Faculty of Law. She later added to her academic credentials by teaching at Yale Law School. Anand’s scholarly interests brought her to the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 2006, where she served as assistant dean from 2007 to 2009.
Ahmed Hussen
Ahmed Hussen now serves as the Minister of International Development.
Hussen’s life adventure began in Mogadishu, Somalia, against the backdrop of struggle. As a 16-year-old refugee in the thick of the Somali civil war, his family took the daring decision to seek sanctuary in Canada in 1993. Hussen’s parents entrusted him with the travel to Canada, where his elder brothers had already created a foundation, with Ontario serving as their initial shelter.
Hussen is a well-known political personality who has previously held various important positions in the Canadian government. He was previously the Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion, Families, Children, and Social Development, and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Hussen also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the lively riding of York South—Weston.
Kamal Khera
Kamal Khera has been appointed Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities in Canada.
Khera’s ancestors are from India, namely New Delhi. She embarked on a life-changing adventure to Canada with her parents when she was ten years old.
Khera is one of the youngest ladies to ever grace the Canadian political arena. Her foray into Canadian politics began at the age of 26 when she was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Brampton West constituency. Khera’s services to the government go beyond her current role as a minister. She had served as parliamentary secretary to several ministries, including the Ministers of Health, National Revenue, and International Development. Notably, before becoming Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, Khera served as Minister of Seniors.
Mary Ng
Mary Ng has been named as Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development.
Ng was born in British Hong Kong in 1969 and is the eldest of three siblings. When she was seven years old, her parents moved to Canada and started a family business in Toronto.
Ng’s extensive career has been founded in dedicated public service for almost two decades. She has played an active part in the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ontario Cabinet Office. She was also the Director of Policy for Ontario Education Minister Gerard Kennedy. Ng has faithfully championed the interests of the Markham—North hill constituency since 2017.
Pablo Rodriguez
Pablo Rodriguez has been named Canada’s new Minister of Transportation.
Rodriguez’s life was dramatically influenced when, at the age of eight, his family fled Argentina following a bombing of their home during the “Dirty War.” It stemmed from his father’s activism against the military junta.
Rodriguez’s public service career has been defined by notable accomplishments. He formerly served as Minister of Cultural Heritage, as well as Leader of the Government House of Commons and Chief Government Whip. Since 2015, he has been devoted to representing the Honoré-Mercier riding in Quebec. He also takes on the post of Quebec Lieutenant within the Liberal Party, strengthening his involvement in political leadership.
Harjit S. Sajjan
Harjit S. Sajjan has been named as Canada’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness, in addition to his duties as President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada.
Sajjan’s life unfolded dramatically after he was born on September 6, 1970, in Punjab, India. His arrival in Canada at the age of five marked a watershed moment in his life. Accompanied by his mother and older sister, he joined his father, who had settled in British Columbia two years before, attracted by job opportunities at a sawmill.
Sajjan’s path has been marked by a diverse set of experiences. Prior to his current federal government obligations, he had a successful military and law enforcement career. His prior positions include Veteran’s Affairs Minister, National Defense Minister, and International Development Minister. In addition, he represents the Vancouver South seat in British Columbia, a role he has held since his election in 2015.
Members of the new cabinet
Gary Anandasangaree
Gary Anandasangaree has taken over as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, a position previously held by Marc Miller, the current Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
Anandasangaree’s ancestors are from Sri Lanka, and he and his mother fled to Canada as refugees in 1983, fleeing the violent Black July Anti-Tamil riots.
His journey to this current position was established by a remarkable legal career in which Anandasangaree distinguished himself as a human rights advocate. His achievements included acting as the legislative secretary to Carolyn Bennett, the former Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Soraya Martinez Ferrada has been named as Canada’s next Minister of Tourism.
Martinez was born in Chile in 1972 and spent her early years there until moving to Montreal’s East End at the age of eight in 1980.
Prior to her current post as Minister of Tourism, Ferrada worked as a City Councilor in Montreal, representing Saint-Michel. She also became the Minister in charge of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions. Ferrada has been the representative for the Hochelaga riding in Quebec since 2019.
Ya’ara Saks
Ya’ara Saks has been named as Canada’s new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions while also serving as the Associate Minister of Health.
Saks has the uncommon distinction of being a dual citizen of both Canada and Israel, with a personal connection to both countries. This distinction makes her the first member of the Canadian parliament to hold dual citizenship.
Saks’ work path was profoundly established in the field of health and well-being prior to her absorption in politics. She honed her skills while running a Yoga studio in York Centre, Toronto. Her contributions also included her work as the Director of Trauma Practice for Healthy Communities. A philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting community and family mental health.
Saks has been actively representing the Ontario riding of York Centre since 2020, emphasizing her commitment to improving her members’ well-being and mental health.
Rechie Valdez
Rechie Valdez has been named as Canada’s next Minister of Small Business.
Valdez, who was born in Zambia in 1980, has had a wonderful experience. She proudly bears the distinction of being the first Filipino-Canadian woman to serve in the Canadian legislature. Valdez’s family set off on a migratory journey from Zambia to Canada when she was nine years old.
Valdez had a successful career in the finance sector before shifting to the area of entertainment prior to her engagement in politics. This transition saw her appear on the Food Network Canada culinary show “The Big Bake” and venture into television production with her own show on Filipino TV.
Valdez has represented the Ontario riding of Streetsville since 2020. Her work as Minister of Small Businesses demonstrates her commitment to supporting growth and prosperity in this critical sector.
Arif Virani
Arif Virani has been selected as Canada’s newly appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
Virani’s life story took a revolutionary turn when he fled to Canada as a refugee in 1972, a significant decision fueled by the flight of Asians from Uganda. With his arrival, the Virani family found temporary refuge in the Stanley Street YMCA in Montreal before relocating to Toronto.
Virani has made numerous and varied contributions to public service. He formerly worked as the parliamentary secretary to the previous Minister of Justice and Attorney General. As well as the Ministers of Canadian Heritage and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. He has faithfully represented the Ontario seat of Parkdale—High Park since 2015, demonstrating his dedication to his constituents and his country.
