4 Indo-Canadians in Trudeau Cabinet

Harjit Sajjan, Amarjeet Sohi, Navdeep Bains, Bardish Jhagger sworn in as Ministers.

Canada's new Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains (L) is congratulated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Rideau Hall in Ottawa November 4, 2015. Morneau's expertise on pension reform will likely also be a significant asset to the newly sworn in Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who promised during the election campaign to work with the provinces and businesses to enhance the national pension plan. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

Four Indian Canadians were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers on Wednesday, as 42-year-old Justin Trudeau took oath as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister at a grand public ceremony.

While Harjit Sajjan, 42, was appointed Defence Minister, Navdeep Bains, 38, secured the portfolio of innovation, science and economic development.

Amarjeet Sohi was sworn in as Minister for Infrastructure and a young Sikh woman, Bardish Jhagger, a first-time MP, was sworn in as Minister for Small Business and Tourism.

Bains had played a key role in Trudeau’s election as the Liberal Party leader in 2013.

In the outgoing government, Tim Uppal, a Sikh, held the rank of the Minister of State. Herb Dhaliwal was the first Sikh to become a full Cabinet Minister in Canada in 1997, followed by Ujjal Dosanjh in 2004. Dhaliwal held the Revenue portfolio while Dosanjh held Health.

Justin Trudeau’s father and former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau is credited with opening the country to new immigrants in the 1970s.