A major shake-up is underway in the Canadian public service, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing a series of leadership changes that will impact key departments and agencies. These moves are designed to strengthen the government's ability to deliver on its priorities and respond to the ever-changing global landscape.
Let's dive into the details.
International Trade and Diplomacy
Glenn Purves, a seasoned professional with a background in macro research at BlackRock, is stepping into the role of Deputy Minister of International Trade. Meanwhile, David Morrison, previously the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, will now serve as the Prime Minister's Senior Diplomatic and International Affairs Advisor. Morrison will also represent the Prime Minister as his Personal Representative (Sherpa) at the G7 and G20 Summits.
Foreign Affairs and Transport
Arun Thangaraj, the former Deputy Minister of Transport, is taking on the role of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Michael Vandergrift, who previously held the position of Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, will now lead the Transport portfolio as the new Deputy Minister.
Security and Immigration
Ted Gallivan, who has been serving as the Interim Deputy National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, is appointed as the Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, the current Deputy Minister in this department, will transition to become the President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Food Safety and Fisheries
Paul MacKinnon, the outgoing President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, is moving to the role of Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. This shift in leadership aims to bring fresh perspectives to these critical areas.
Veterans Affairs and International Development
Nancy Gardiner, the President of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, is taking on the role of Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs. Cynthia (Cindy) Termorshuizen, who has been serving as the Deputy Minister for the G7 Summit and Personal Representative of the Prime Minister for the G7 and G20 Summits, will now lead the International Development portfolio as the new Deputy Minister.
Financial Crimes and National Security
Rob Stewart, the current Deputy Minister of International Trade, is tasked with leading the creation of the new Financial Crimes Agency as the Deputy Minister responsible for this initiative. Kevin Brosseau, who has been fighting against fentanyl as the Commissioner of Canada's Fight Against Fentanyl, will now take on additional responsibilities as the Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence and Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard. He will continue his work in the fight against fentanyl concurrently.
Foreign and Defence Policy
David Angell, the Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, is promoted to the position of Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
National Security and Intelligence
Dominic Rochon, the Chief Information Officer of Canada, will now serve as the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (National Security and Intelligence).
Innovation and Economic Development
Kaili Levesque, the former Associate Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, is appointed as the Associate Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development. She will also take on the role of President of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and continue to support the Secretary of State (Nature).
Corrections and Human Resources
Talal Dakalbab, the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Crime Prevention Branch at Public Safety Canada, is named the new Commissioner of Corrections. Francis Trudel, who has been serving as the Associate Chief Human Resources Officer at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, will now become the Associate Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
These leadership changes are part of a broader strategy to ensure the Canadian government remains agile and responsive to the needs of its citizens and the evolving global context.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate Christopher MacLennan and Sandra McCardell on their upcoming roles as Executive Directors at the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, respectively.
Additionally, the Prime Minister recognized and thanked several individuals who are retiring from the public service, including Chris Forbes, former Deputy Minister of Finance; Bob Hamilton, Commissioner of Revenue; and Anne Kelly, Commissioner of Corrections, who will transition to a Senior Advisor role at Correctional Service Canada before her retirement.
For more information on the individuals involved, you can refer to the biographical notes provided, which offer insights into their backgrounds and experiences.
