Anita Anand Reverses Decision, Seeks Re-election Amid U.S. Tensions

Transport Minister Anita Anand announced that she will seek re-election in the next federal election, citing growing tensions with the United States as a major reason for staying in public life. This decision comes just weeks after she publicly stated in January that she would not run again.

“Canada is facing a crucial moment in our nation’s history,” Anand said in a statement. “In the time since early January, when I made my announcement to step away from public life, the gravity of this moment has only grown in significance.”

Our country is facing an existential crisis. These times are too critical and too significant to our country’s future for me to step away now. I look forward to continuing to serve and to running in the next federal election. pic.twitter.com/ydJOsHfmru

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) March 1, 2025

Anand pointed to threats of illegal tariffs and rising nationalist rhetoric in the U.S. as major concerns. “Illegal tariffs are continuously threatened, with our southern neighbour openly musing about annexation,” she said, referencing recent political discourse in the U.S. that has raised alarm in Canada.

She also highlighted her ongoing efforts on economic policy. “Over the past seven weeks, I have been heavily engaged on the Canada-U.S. file and have made headway on reducing interprovincial barriers to trade, with more work for me to do on both fronts.”

Her reversal comes as U.S.-Canada relations face new uncertainty. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, now the Republican frontrunner, has floated the idea of imposing steep tariffs on Canadian imports if re-elected. Meanwhile, nationalist rhetoric in the U.S. has included far-fetched discussions about annexing Canada, though such claims have been widely dismissed as political posturing.

Domestically, Anand’s decision also coincides with a turbulent moment for the Liberal Party. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down, triggering a leadership race that is set to conclude in March. Anand has publicly backed former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney for the position. Some political analysts suggest that the uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership may have played a role in her decision to remain in politics.

Political reactions to her announcement have been mixed. Liberal supporters have praised her experience, while critics have questioned the timing of her decision. Conservative MPs were quick to criticize the reversal, with some accusing Anand of political opportunism.

Anand, however, framed her decision as a call to duty, citing her parents’ influence. “The words of my late mother ring even louder in my ears today. She often said to me, ‘You must serve your country,’” she stated.