Who Is Anita Vandenbeld? Age, Biography and Wiki
Anita Vandenbeld was born on December 3, 1971. As of 2025, she is 53 years old. Vandenbeld is a prominent Canadian politician and member of the Liberal Party. She currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Ottawa South, having been elected to the House of Commons in 2015. Throughout her career, Vandenbeld has been a dedicated advocate for women's rights, social justice, and community engagement.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1971 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Canada |
Popularity
Anita Vandenbeld's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements for Anita Vandenbeld's height and weight are not publicly available, she is known to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Public figures in politics often prioritize physical fitness and wellness, which contribute to their ability to engage effectively with constituents.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Anita Vandenbeld has kept much of her personal life private. As of 2025, there is no confirmed information about her current relationship status, including details about a boyfriend or girlfriend. She has focused her public persona on her political career, though she shares a strong connection with her family and values their support in her endeavors.
Vandenbeld's parents were immigrants from the Netherlands who built their own log home, in which she spent her early childhood. In 1945, Herman Vandenbeld got his first candy from Canadian soldiers during the Liberation of the Netherlands. His family were union leaders who were part of the Dutch underground resistance during World War Two.
His grandfather and uncle were political prisoners at the Herzogenbusch concentration camp "Kamp Vught". He was the eldest of a working-class family who arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax in 1960 with all their worldly possessions, including the bed that he slept in for 52 years of marriage to Anita's mother, Maria.
He worked as a labourer for several years in Calgary before starting his piano tuning business which he ran with his wife Maria for 40 years. Vandenbeld's mother Maria was a kindergarten teacher who immigrated from the Netherlands at the age of 19. She met Anita's father while boarding with his family in Calgary.
Net Worth and Salary
As a Member of Parliament, Anita Vandenbeld receives a salary that aligns with her esteemed position in Canadian politics. While her exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be in the range of hundreds of thousands, reflecting her long-standing career in politics, advocacy work, and various professional roles prior to her political career. Vandenbeld's dedication to public service is apparent in her commitment to improving the lives of Canadians.
In March 2016, Vandenbeld was elected as Chair of the Special Committee on Pay Equity, which was formed by a motion in the House of Commons to close the gap in pay between men and women which contributes to income inequality and discriminates against women, accept pay equity as a human right, and accept the recommendations of the 2004 Pay Equity Ta
sk Force Report.
The final report, which had a consensus of all parties, called "It's Time to Act " was tabled on June 9, 2016. As a result, the government appointed the first Pay Equity Commissioner and passed Pay Equity legislation which comes into force August 31, 2021.
Career, Business, and Investments
Before entering politics, Vandenbeld had a diverse career. She worked for the United Nations and held various roles in community organizations and international development. Her commitment to political engagement and advocacy for women’s issues has shaped her approach in the House of Commons, where she championed numerous bills and initiatives focused on social equity and community advancement.
In addition to her political career, Vandenbeld continues to participate in community-focused projects and invests in social enterprises that align with her values of empowerment and growth.
Vandenbeld again sought the Ottawa West-Nepean federal Liberal nomination for the 2015 Canadian federal election, winning a contested nomination against two other candidates on November 2, 2014. Her election campaign was successful, winning the seat with 56% of the vote on October 19, 2015.
Her 35,199 votes represented the 5th highest vote total of any Liberal candidate in Ontario and the highest vote count for a female candidate in Ontario.
In her first term, Vandenbeld sat on the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development and on the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics.
While on the Foreign Affairs committee Vandenbeld put forward amendments to strengthen the Arms Trade Treaty, and initiated a study of Canada's International Democracy Promotion. Vandenbeld was also the founding chair of the all-party Democracy Caucus.
Social Network
Anita Vandenbeld actively engages with her audience through various social media platforms. She maintains an influential presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where she shares updates about her political work, community initiatives, and personal insights. Her ability to connect with constituents online has helped her build a rapport with the public and has contributed to her ongoing success as a politician.
On March 18, 2024 Vandenbeld abstained from vote 658 - Canada's actions to promote peace in the middle east. Originally penned as a bid to recognize the state of Palestine, the non-binding but symbolic NDP motion was heavily edited in negotiations with the Liberals, allowing it to pass 204 to 117.
Anita Vandenbeld abstained from the vote which 146 of her liberal colleagues, including the Prime Minister supported. In a statement on twitter, Vandenbeld explained that she was unavailable to vote because of personal reasons that had nothing to do with the text of the motion.
In correspondence with constituents Vandenbeld stated that if she had been able to vote, she would have voted in favour of the motion. Vandenbeld has called for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, stating "All parties to the conflict have an obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians.
Canada calls for a resumption of humanitarian pauses, and it supports urgent international efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire. Throughout, we have based our decisions on the innocent civilians involved in this conflict. As the situation continues, it is vital that life-saving humanitarian relief can reach Palestinian civilians in need."
Education
Anita Vandenbeld holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa. Her academic background in international development has provided her with a strong foundation for her career as a politician and advocate. Her education continues to inform her perspectives on policies related to gender equality and social justice.
She attended Assumption School and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1989. As a teen she worked as a page at the Bowness branch of the Calgary Public Library.
Conclusion
In 2025, Anita Vandenbeld continues to be a significant figure in Canadian politics, known for her advocacy and leadership in the community. As she navigates her political career while maintaining a private personal life, her contributions to society and the lives she touches remain impactful.
