**Michael Sabia has been appointed the Clerk of the Privy Council. / UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO PHOTO**

Prime Minister Mark Carney today announced the appointment of Michael Sabia as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, effective July 7, 2025. Sabia will succeed John Hannaford, who is retiring after nearly three decades of public service.

Sabia, an experienced and respected public and private sector leader, brings a deep well of economic, managerial and policy expertise to the role. He is currently President and CEO of Hydro-Québec, a position he has held since 2023. His leadership there follows a three-year term as Canada’s Deputy Minister of Finance, from 2020 to 2023, where he was a central figure in the federal government's pandemic recovery strategy and a key architect of long-term fiscal policy under two successive governments.

“As Canada’s new government builds the strongest economy in the G7, Mr. Sabia’s leadership will be key to this mission. 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,” said Carney in a statement.

Sabia’s appointment signals a strategic alignment between the public service and the government’s core priorities: national economic competitiveness, infrastructure renewal and inclusive growth. His track record reveals a pattern of tackling complex institutional challenges with clarity and long-term vision.

From 2009 to 2020, Sabia served as President and CEO of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), where he led a major transformation that repositioned the provincial pension fund as a global financial player. Under his leadership, the CDPQ expanded into infrastructure, sustainable investment and international markets, moves that helped define a new model for Canadian institutional capital.

He has also held senior executive roles in the private sector, including as CEO of Bell Canada Enterprises and CFO of Canadian National Railway. Sabia began his career in the federal public service, working in the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office, where he served as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans).

His recent academic and governance contributions include serving as Director of the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy in 2020 and Chair of the Board of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He has participated in major international initiatives, including as Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s working group on infrastructure and development, and with the UN’s Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance. During Canada’s G7 presidency in 2018, he co-chaired the Investor Leadership Network on climate change, diversity, and infrastructure development.

Sabia holds a Master of Philosophy in Political Economy from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. In recognition of his contributions to business, finance, and public service, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017.

His appointment comes at a time when the federal government is embarking on an ambitious nation-building agenda aimed at unlocking private investment, accelerating housing and infrastructure and modernizing Canada’s economic foundations. Sabia’s leadership is expected to be instrumental in aligning the machinery of government with this transformative agenda.

Meanwhile, outgoing Clerk Hannaford leaves behind a legacy of integrity, diplomacy and service. Over a nearly 30-year career in government, Hannaford served as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister. From 2009 to 2012, he was Canada’s Ambassador to Norway. As Clerk, he helped navigate Canada through a period of major trade and security challenges.

In recognition of his public service, Hannaford will be appointed to the King’s Privy Council for Canada before his retirement.

The Clerk of the Privy Council is Canada’s top civil servant, advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet, ensuring the effectiveness of the federal public service, and upholding the non-partisan principles at the heart of Canada’s democratic institutions.