Michael Sabia, a highly experienced leader in both the public and private sectors has been named as the new clerk of the Privy Council. Additionally, he will be secretary to the cabinet, beginning July 7. This appointment is truly the capstone of his long, successful career. He has now succeeded John Hannaford, who has retired after a long and storied career on the public service.
Sabia comes to the job with a deep well of relevant experience. Until 2023, he was the president and CEO of Hydro-Québec. He brings a wealth of experience from his long history serving in top government roles. Specifically, he served as Canada’s deputy finance minister during essential pandemic years, deeply involved with Covid response coordination and subsequent recovery efforts. His deep experience includes more than a decade running Quebec’s public pension plan and years working at the Privy Council.
In that statement, published by Hydro-Québec, Sabia promised to serve the public interest. He stressed the desire to be able to answer Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call for leadership at this critical juncture.
“Prime Minister Carney asked me to take on this role at a time when the country is facing some unprecedented challenges,” – Michael Sabia
Carney stressed that he had full confidence in Sabia’s ability to lead the department through those challenges. He reiterated the government’s focus on creating the most competitive economy in the G7. Moreover, he praised their moves to reduce the burden on Canadians and improve safety in communities.
“As Canada’s new government moves with focus and determination to build the strongest economy in the G7, bring down costs for Canadians and keep communities safe, Mr. Sabia will help us deliver on this mandate and our government’s disciplined focus on core priorities,” – Mark Carney
Sabia’s career started in the public sector, where he first established the credentials that would earn him those awards and accolades. He was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 2017. His vibrant life and impactful work as a public servant make him an ideal selection for this honor.
Sabia says he is looking forward to embracing his new roles. He will draw on his years of success as a business leader to help guide Canada’s economic, environmental and social priorities through this time of tremendous change. We expect his leadership to steer policy decisions that meet urgent needs while furthering the government’s strategic priorities.
