Michael Sabia named new clerk of the Privy Council
Michael Sabia will become the next clerk of the Privy Council in a shake up in the public service's highest office.
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On July 7, Sabia will replace John Hannaford, who has served in the role since 2023.
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The incoming clerk brings with him a background in both major projects and public finance. Sabia is leaving his position as chief executive officer for Hydro Québec where he oversaw plans for major projects to expand energy production in the province from 2020 to 2023.
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The fast-tracked development of big infrastructure projects remains a central priority for Prime Minister Mark Carney's government.
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Sabia also carries an intimate experience with public finances, having served as the deputy minister for the Department of Finance from 2020 until 2023.
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'As Canada's new government builds the strongest economy in the G7, Mr. Sabia's leadership will be key to this mission,' the Prime Minister Office said in a statement. 'Canada's exemplary public service – with Mr. Sabia at the helm – will advance nation-building projects, catalyze enormous private investment to drive growth, and deliver the change Canadians want and deserve.'
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The incoming clerk also served as the president and CEO of Québec's public pension fund manager Caisse de Dépôt et placement du Québec and the director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
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In a news release, the Prime Minister's Office thanked Hannaford for his service and congratulated him on his upcoming retirement.
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Hannaford joined the federal public service in 1995, and as clerk, looked to lead an overhaul of ethics and values within the public service.
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'Our public service values and ethics are our compass to guide us through times of change,' he said in a statement when launching the initiative.
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'As head of the public service, I am committed to fostering a renewed conversation on values and ethics that will support the effective management and renewal of our public service over the years to come.'
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The change inside the clerk's office came within a month of Carney's cabinet swearing-in ceremony in May.
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