Transport Minister Anita Anand to Seek Re-election if Mark Carney Becomes Liberal Leader

In a surprising turn of events, Transport Minister Anita Anand is set to reverse her decision to retire from politics and announce that she will seek re-election if Mark Carney becomes the Liberal leader, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The announcement is expected to be made at an event on Friday where Carney will be present, as per sources who were not authorized to speak publicly.

Carney, a respected former central banker in both Canada and the U.K., is currently considered the front-runner to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Anand’s office has not responded to requests for comment, and Carney’s campaign has also remained silent on the matter.

Anand, who was once seen as a potential Liberal leadership candidate, had previously stated on January 11 that she would not be seeking the party leadership nor running in the upcoming federal election.

However, recent shifts in Liberal fortunes have prompted Anand to reconsider her decision. With the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House and Trudeau’s announcement of stepping down as prime minister, Liberal support has seen a significant boost in recent public opinion polls.

Carney consistently outperforms his leadership rivals in polls, garnering more cabinet and caucus endorsements as well as raising more money from donors.

Anand’s decision to run for re-election would provide the Liberals with an incumbent in a crucial riding in Ontario, a key battleground region. Since her election in 2019, Anand has held various cabinet positions, including minister of public services and procurement and minister of national defense, becoming only the second woman to hold the latter position.

Anand’s potential re-election bid follows a trend among Liberal MPs changing their minds about running again. Housing Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, who initially announced he would not seek re-election, reversed course after being appointed to cabinet in January.

Similarly, New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, who had previously stated he would not run again, has expressed intentions to seek re-election if Carney emerges as the Liberal leader. Long was one of the first caucus members to call for Trudeau’s resignation.