Prime Minister Reshuffles Top Officials
Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to reshape the federal public service by appointing new leaders to senior roles and expanding key positions. This follows a December shuffle aimed at delivering tangible benefits to Canadians.
International Trade and Diplomacy Moves
Glenn Purves returns to government after serving as an economist at the BlackRock Investment Institute since January 2025. He takes on the role of deputy minister of international trade. Purves previously held positions such as assistant deputy minister of economic development at Finance Canada starting in 2021, director general of fiscal policy, assistant secretary at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and senior adviser at the International Monetary Fund.
David Morrison shifts from deputy minister of foreign affairs to senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser in the Prime Minister’s office. He will represent Canada in G7 and G20 negotiations from the Privy Council Office. Arun Thangaraj moves from deputy minister of transport to deputy minister at Global Affairs Canada.
Cynthia Termorshuizen transitions from G7 and G20 sherpa to deputy minister of international development. She previously served as deputy ambassador to China from 2015 to 2018 and associate deputy minister of foreign affairs.
Financial Crimes and Security Shifts
Rob Stewart leaves his post as deputy minister of international trade to lead the creation of the new Financial Crimes Agency. Launched in October, the agency targets complex money laundering, organized crime, financial scams, and asset recovery.
Dominic Rochon steps down as chief information officer to become deputy secretary to the cabinet for national security and intelligence at the Privy Council Office. Nathalie Drouin, who has served as deputy clerk of the Privy Council and national security adviser since January 2024, now acts as Canada’s ambassador to France.
David Angell advances from foreign and defence policy adviser to associate deputy minister of foreign affairs. Kevin Brosseau retains his role as fentanyl czar, appointed in February 2025, while adding duties as senior associate deputy minister of national defence and commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Additional Senior Appointments
- Michael Vandergrift moves from deputy minister of natural resources to deputy minister of transport.
- Ted Gallivan, interim deputy national security adviser, becomes deputy minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship.
- Harpreet S. Kochhar shifts from deputy minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship to president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
- Paul MacKinnon leaves the Canadian Food Inspection Agency presidency for deputy minister of fisheries and oceans.
- Nancy Gardiner, head of the federal economic development agency for southern Ontario, takes on deputy minister of veterans affairs.
- Kaili Levesque departs associate deputy minister of fisheries and oceans for associate deputy minister of innovation, science, and economic development, plus presidency of the southern Ontario economic agency.
- Talal Dakalbab succeeds Anne Kelly as commissioner of corrections; Kelly moves to an advisory role ahead of retirement.
- Francis Trudel becomes associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada from her Treasury Board human resources position.
The Prime Minister’s Office states that these leadership changes strengthen priority delivery, advance Canadian interests, and address global shifts.
Prime Minister Carney extends best wishes to retiring officials, including Anne Kelly, former Finance deputy minister Chris Forbes, and ex-Canada Revenue Agency commissioner Bob Hamilton.
