First ever Tamil-Canadian: Gary Anandasangaree appointed Canada’s Minister of Justice
Gary Anandasangaree has been appointed as Canada’s Minister of Justice, in a historic move that will see him become the first ever Tamil-Canadian to hold the post.
Anandasangaree, a lawyer and long-time advocate for Tamil rights, has played a key role in pushing for justice for war crimes and accountability for the genocide in Sri Lanka.
A Tamil-Canadian upbringing
Born in Jaffna, Anandasangaree arrived in Canada just weeks after the 1983 anti-Tamil pogrom known as Black July. They settled in Canada, where Anandasangaree grew up witnessing the struggles of the Tamil diaspora, many of whom were refugees escaping the brutal war in Sri Lanka.
Before entering politics, Anandasangaree was a lawyer and community advocate. He has previously worked with several different organisations including the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Tamil Congress and Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre. He frequently attended sessions at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where he delivered statements highlighting Sri Lanka’s ongoing persecution of Tamils and the need for international accountability.
As a parliamentarian, he played a key role in Canada’s push for justice for Tamil genocide survivors, advocating for sanctions against Sri Lankan officials implicated in war crimes and crimes against humanity. He also helped lead a resolution which saw Canada’s parliament recognise May 18th as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, the first country to officially do so.
Beyond Tamil issues, Anandasangaree has also been an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights in Canada. As Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, he worked on advancing reconciliation, addressing historical injustices, and promoting Indigenous land rights.
A historic appointment
Anandasangaree’s appointment as Minister of Justice Attorney General of Canada is a milestone for the Tamil community, both in Canada and globally. It marks the first time an individual of Eelam Tamil heritage, has been given such a senior role in a Western government. In this role, he will litigate on behalf of the Crown and serve as the chief legal advisor to the Government of Canada.
The announcement was made as part of Mark Carney's unveiling of his first cabinet on Friday.
His appointment also comes at a critical time when international pressure on Sri Lanka for accountability remains.
The Canadian Bar Association said it welcomed the appointment and they "look forward to working with [Anandasangaree] and his cabinet colleagues".
"The CBA and the federal government share a common commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting access to justice, and ensuring a fair and efficient legal system for all Canadians. CBA members will continue offering their expertise and helping to shape laws and policies that reflect the evolving needs of society while maintaining the integrity of Canada's legal institutions."
“Gary is a respected leader in our community who brings genuine compassion and a sharp analysis of the way the law impacts those made most marginal by it,” said Krisna Saravanamuttu, a criminal defence lawyer at Rudnicki and Company in Toronto.
“In his role as the Minister of Indigneous Relations, he pursued the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission earnestly, and worked hard to advance reconciliation efforts and resolve land claims across the Canadian state. Alongside our entire office, we look forward to working with Mr. Anandasangaree in his new capacity as the Attorney General and finding common ground on criminal justice issues.”