Looks like Canada

When asked why half of his 30-member cabinet comprised women, Canada’s young Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, remarked: “Because it is 2015.” His diverse, gender-equal cabinet also has the country’s first-ever Muslim minister, the first aboriginal justice minister, and much to the delight of the Indian-Canadians, four ministers from the Sikh community. “A cabinet that looks like Canada,” said the 42-year-old, living up to his election campaign promise of ‘reclaiming’ multiculturalism. Trudeau, whose father is credited with opening Canada to new immigrants in the 1970s, has put a lot of faith in Liberal Party colleagues with domain knowledge but little political experience while selecting his team. Rookies, as predecessor Stephen Harper has described them. One of them is Toronto businessman Bill Morneau, the new Finance Minister. 

Then there is 45-year-old Harjit Sajjan, with roots in Hoshiarpur district. The first Sikh to command a Canadian army regiment and a decorated officer, the first-time MP is the country’s new Defence Minister. The other Indian-Canadians in the cabinet are 38-year-old Navdeep Bains, a third-time MP, with the portfolio of innovation, science and economic development; first-time MP Amarjeet Sohi as the minister for infrastructure; and young Bardish Chagger, a first-time lawmaker. She has got the portfolio of small business and tourism. Herb Dhaliwal was the first Sikh to become a full cabinet minister in Canada in 1997, followed by Ujjal Dosanjh in 2004. In the outgoing Conservative government, Tim Uppal was a turbaned Sikh but enjoyed the rank of minister of state. 

Justin Trudeau's cabinet showcases the confidence and self-assurance of a nation that has come to terms with its ethnic diversity. Rather than see its non-white population as a source of division and weakness, the new Canada seeks to tap the creative potential and vibrant energy of all its minorities for the common good. The young and not-so-experienced Prime Minister has dared to think ahead of the conventional curve. His robust faith in Canada’s multiculturalism is in welcome and refreshing contrast to the outbreak of xenophobia in parts of Europe — as also in certain quarters in India.