Anand to lead war on military sex misconduct as Canada's second defence minister

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is tapping the former procurement minister to become Canada’s next defence minister.

Anita Anand’s arrival in the position follows months of controversy surrounding the Liberal government’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations involving some of the military’s most senior officers.

Opposition parties, experts and victims’ support groups had been calling for Trudeau to replace Harjit Sajjan, who was accused of having lost all credibility when it came to leading the fight against military sexual misconduct.

Anand is only the second woman to serve as Canada's defence minister after Kim Campbell, who held the position for six months in 1993 before becoming prime minister.

As Canada’s procurement minister, Anand was responsible for Ottawa’s efforts to purchase vaccines, PPE and other supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anand also had significant oversight of various military procurement projects, including the planned purchase of new fighter jets and warships.