Transport Minister Anita Anand has announced she will run for re-election in Oakville in the upcoming federal election, reversing her earlier decision to step away from politics. Just six weeks ago, in January 2025, Anand had declared she would not pursue the Liberal leadership nor seek another term as MP, citing a desire to return to her academic roots. However, she now says escalating trade threats from U.S. President Donald Trump have compelled her to stay in the fight, focusing renewed energy on dismantling internal trade barriers across Canada’s provinces.
Addressing her change of heart, Anand pointed to the shifting landscape since her initial announcement. “When I decided to step back, Canada wasn’t facing the existential crisis we’re in today,” she said, referencing Trump’s aggressive rhetoric on trade, including potential tariffs that could disrupt the Canadian economy. As transport and internal trade minister, Anand has positioned herself as a key figure in preparing Canada for these challenges, urging provinces to unify their economic approach ahead of possible U.S. pressure.
The Liberals have enjoyed a surge in polling numbers since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation effective January 6, 2025, a development that has buoyed the party’s prospects. Yet Anand downplayed any suggestion that her decision hinges on this political upswing. Instead, she framed her candidacy in Oakville—a riding known as a national bellwether—as a personal commitment to a tough electoral battle, not a strategic play on her party’s fortunes. “This is about the bigger picture, not just politics,” she insisted during a press briefing on February 28, 2025.
Anand’s about-face comes as Canada braces for a volatile period in U.S. relations, with Trump’s latest term amplifying concerns over cross-border trade. Her choice to remain in the fray underscores the stakes for both her riding and the country, setting the stage for a high-profile contest in Oakville as the federal election looms.