Kamal Khera Takes Charge as Canada's LA Consul General

Former federal cabinet minister and Indo-Canadian leader Kamal Khera has been appointed as Canada's new Consul General in Los Angeles, marking her return to public service through a key diplomatic role as Canada works to strengthen its relationship with the United States. The appointment was announced by the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, in a list of other foreign affairs appointments in major cities in the United States.

Kamal replaces Zaib Shaikh who was appointed by the previous government to be the Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles. She is taking on the role at an important time, given ongoing Canada-U.S. trade, economic and wider bilateral talks.

By profession, Kamal is a registered nurse, and entered Canadian politics in 2015 when elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Brampton West. In the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, she held onto her seat, before being appointed to various ministerial roles under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and subsequently Prime Minister Mark Carney.

In the government, Kamal served in various capacities, such as Minister of Seniors and ultimately Minister of Health, working to promote health and public health agendas.

In the 2025 Canadian federal election, however, she lost her Brampton West riding to Amarjeet Gill of the Conservatives, joining her cabinet colleague, Tania Ziemny as the only two cabinet ministers to be defeated in the election that returned the Liberal Party to government under her leadership.

Key Highlights:

• Kamal Khera appointed as Canada's Consul General in Los Angeles
• Former federal minister and Indo-Canadian leader returns to public service
• Appointment strengthens Canada–US diplomatic and trade relations

After being appointed to the diplomatic role, Khera has posted a message on X thanking her for the opportunity to join Team Canada in the United States. She said she was excited to collaborate with Canada's Ambassador to the United States, to build on the history of the Canada-U.S. relationship.

Kamal's appointment comes at a time when Canada is making a comeback to its role in diplomatic engagement with the United States. Bilateral relations have become even more significant as negotiations continue between the two countries for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The trade pact, however, is on the table after the developments in Washington and experienced diplomacy is more critical than ever.

In a related development, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced three other senior diplomatic appointments in the United States, along with Khera's. Andrea Clements, a seasoned trade commissioner and career diplomat, has been named Detroit's Consul General. Claire Kennedy, who is a member of the Bank's Board of Directors, will be the Consul General in Chicago. Susannah Pierce, Chair of the Business Council of BC and an ex-ex-energy industry executive, will be appointed Consul General in New York.

Canada is also sending some well-known Indo-Canadians as its diplomatic representatives. Prior to this, Rana Sarkar was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada-India Business Council and is now Canada's Consul General in San Francisco since 2017.

Canada's focus on bolstering its ties with the United States and on utilizing individuals with proven public management skills for trade, economic cooperation and strategic partnerships is reflected in Kamal's appointment. As a healthcare professional, member of public service, and a leader and participant in the Canadian Government, it is believed she will be a valuable asset in helping Canada to advance its agenda in one of its most important missions.