Friday, June 13, 2025
Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced his intention to name Michael Sabia as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, effective July 7, 2025.
Sabia brings over three decades of expertise across the public and private sectors, including as president and CEO of Hydro-Québec, President and CEO of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Canada’s Deputy Minister of Finance, and Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. He has also held senior roles at Bell Canada Enterprises, as President and CEO, at Canadian National Railway, and in the Privy Council Office. In recognition of his leadership across business, finance, and public service, Mr. Sabia was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.
“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. I congratulate Mr. Hannaford on his retirement as the Clerk of the Privy Council and for his steadfast dedication and service to Canada,” said Carney.
Earlier this week, the federal government introduced new legislation, One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, which it says will remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, and advance nation-building projects crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security, and economic competitiveness.
The Prime Minister thanked John Hannaford for his service as Clerk of the Privy Council and congratulated him on his upcoming retirement. Hannaford joined the federal public service in 1995 and has served in a number of senior roles, including 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 Ambassador of Canada to Norway.
Following his appointment Sabia has informed Hydro-Québec board Chair Manon Brouillette that he will complete his term on July 4.
“Prime Minister Carney asked me to take on this role at a time when the country is facing unprecedented challenges. In this context, I am joining the federal government to address these challenges head on,” said Sabia.
“When I arrived at Hydro-Québec, I was convinced of the importance of Premier Legault’s vision for Quebec’s energy and economic future and of the essential role that Hydro-Québec had to play in contributing to it.
“Today, I have full confidence that Hydro-Québec is on the right track. Eighteen months ago, we published an ambitious plan. Thanks to talented people and dedicated leaders, the organization is successfully executing this plan, which includes the new agreement between Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, as well as the new foundations we are building in our relationships with First Nations and Inuit.”
Featured image: (Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec)
