Sri Lankan-born Gary Anandasangaree has been sworn in as Canada’s new Public Safety Minister in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recently unveiled Cabinet of Ministers.
As the Minister, Anandasangaree will lead the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness – the federal body responsible for internal security, border protection, and emergency management. The department also administers the Emergency Management Act and oversees key security agencies including the Correctional Service of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Parole Board of Canada, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Additionally, it holds responsibility for the Canada Border Services Agency.
Anandasangaree’s appointment comes as part of a significant Cabinet reshuffle announced on Tuesday (13), just two weeks after the Federal Election.
Anandasangaree, who previously served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General (AG) of Canada, and as the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, now assumes a critical role in managing national security and border policy – areas closely watched by the United States, especially under recent American pressure over cross-border security concerns.
Following his swearing-in, Anandasangaree expressed his gratitude in a post on the social media platform X: “I am honoured and humbled to be sworn in as the Minister of Public Safety. I look forward to building on the good work of David McGuinty, and I am committed to serving Canadians by keeping our communities safe, combatting hate, and strengthening our security agencies.”
Reflecting on his previous roles, Anandasangaree shared his pride in the progress achieved in Crown – Indigenous Relations and Justice. He noted that, “Working together with Indigenous partners, we have built strong, respectful relationships, advanced reconciliation, and laid the groundwork for a better future.”
Expressing appreciation for the confidence shown in him, he thanked Premier Carney for his trust, adding, “I am ready to work with my Cabinet and Caucus colleagues, our partner organisations, and all orders of the Government to unite, secure, protect, and build Canada.”
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in 1973, Anandasangaree is the son of prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician and the Tamil United Liberation Front former Leader V. Anandasangaree. He immigrated to Canada and became actively involved in politics through the Liberal Party of Canada. In 2013, he announced his candidacy for the Liberal nomination in Scarborough – Rouge Park for the 2015 Federal Election. After securing the nomination in August 2014, he was elected on 19 October 2015, with 60.1% of the vote.