Gary Anandasangaree, a Tamil-Canadian lawyer and long-time advocate for Tamil rights, has been appointed as Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General. This historic appointment makes him the first Tamil-Canadian to hold the position in the country’s history.
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Anandasangaree moved to Canada during the 1983 riots and has since built a distinguished career as a lawyer and community leader. Before entering politics, he actively worked with organizations such as the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Tamil Congress, and the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre.
Prior to his new role, Anandasangaree served as Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs from December 2024. His appointment comes as part of the new cabinet formed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was sworn in on March 14, 2025, succeeding Justin Trudeau.
Expressing his gratitude, Anandasangaree stated that he is honored to take on the responsibility of leading Canada’s Justice Ministry, while also continuing his work in Crown-Indigenous Relations. The Canadian Bar Association welcomed his appointment, expressing eagerness to work with him and his colleagues in government.
This appointment marks a significant milestone in Canadian politics, highlighting the country’s commitment to diversity and inclusive representation in its leadership.
