Deputy Minister of International Trade – Onboarding Book

February 2026

Table of contents

1. Your role and responsibilities
   1. Strategic overview
   2. Key Portfolio Responsibilities of Global Affairs Canada Ministers and Deputy Ministers
   3. International Calendar 2026
2. The Department and its Portfolio
   1. The Department at a glance
   2. Organizational structure
      1. Global Affairs Canada Executive Organizational Structure (HQ)
      2. Executive (EX) Organizational Structure (HQ)
   3. Deputy Ministers
   4. Network Map
   5. Financial Overview
   6. Workforce Overview
   7. Corporate Governance
   8. Crown Corporations and Agencies in the Global Affairs Canada portfolio
   9. Branch overviews
      1. Strategy, Policy and Public Affairs Branch (RFM)
      2. International Security and Political Affairs Branch (IFM)
      3. International Trade Branch (TFM)
      4. International Assistance Partnerships and Programming Branch (YFM)
      5. Consular, Security, Legal and Protocol Branch (CFM)
      6. Europe, Middle East and Arctic Branch (EGM)
      7. Americas Branch (NGM)
      8. Indo-Pacific Branch (OGM)
      9. Africa Branch (WGM)
      10. Pan-geographic Affairs Branch (GFM)
      11. People and Corporate Management Branch (SCM-HCM)
      12. International Platform Branch (ACM)
      13. Office of the Well-being Ombud and Inspector General (ZID)
      14. Office of the Chief Audit Executive and Special Investigations (VBD)
      15. Justice Special Bureau (JUS)
      16. Transformation Team (DMFT)

A. Your role and responsibilities

Strategic overview (DMT)

You are taking on this role at a time when international trade and investment is a key focus of the Government’s economic and foreign policy agenda. In a May 2025 letter, the Prime Minister set out seven priorities for the Ministry, one of which is “establishing a new economic and security relationship with the United States and strengthening our collaboration with reliable trading partners and allies around the world.” This reflects an imperative not only to restabilize Canada’s largest trading relationship, but to simultaneously build new partnerships that will contribute to greater resilience and strategic autonomy for Canada in future years.

[Redacted]  

International trade and investment are important to Canada

In 2025, Canada’s goods and services trade surpassed $2 trillion. Although trade in goods accounts for the majority Canada’s international trade, services trade is growing faster than goods trade and accounted for $414.4 billion of Canada’s total trade in 2023. Canada’s largest trading partners are the United States, the European Union, China, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. In recent years, approximately 70-75% of Canada’s goods exports have been destined for the United States, reflecting the deep integration of the North American economy that has evolved over decades.

Trade is equivalent to 65% of Canada’s GDP, and exports alone support nearly 1 in 5 Canadian jobs. Canada’s 15 in-force free trade agreements (FTAs) cover 51 countries, which represent nearly two-thirds of global GDP and some 1.5 billion potential consumers worldwide. Key Canadian FTAs include the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which covers 19.5% of global GDP, the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which, including the United Kingdom, covers 14.3% of global GDP, and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which covers 30.1% of global GDP. In September 2025, Canada signed a free trade agreement with Indonesia, which is Canada’s largest export destination in Southeast Asia. Canada is proceeding with legislation to bring the agreement into force in 2026.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is also a catalyst for Canada’s export growth and competitiveness, connecting domestic firms to global markets, bringing in high‑value capital, and embedding Canadian companies in international supply chains. Foreign firms play a significant role in Canada’s economy, employing 19% of the workforce, generating over one quarter of GDP, and driving innovation by providing 38% of R&D jobs and 43% of R&D spending. Their impact is even more pronounced in trade, where they account for 57% of merchandise exports and more than 51% of commercial service exports. Canada’s FDI stock reached $1.5 trillion in 2024, up 5.5% from the previous year, with the United States accounting for 51% of the total, followed by the United Kingdom (6.9%), China (3.3%), Japan (3.2%), and France (2.9%). FDI inflows reached $72 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, surpassing the 10‑year annual average of $58 billion.

The Department’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian businesses unlock international opportunities. The TCS provides tailored international business development advice and contacts, funding, accelerator programs and other support mechanisms through its global network in nearly 150 international locations. In fiscal year 2024-2025, the TCS facilitated 1,367 commercial agreements with an estimated value of $6.2 billion and supported 203 research and innovation partnerships. In coordination with Invest in Canada, the TCS also supported 147 foreign investment projects, resulting in over $21.9 billion in investment across 53 municipalities and creating over 7,000 jobs.

The services of the TCS are complemented by financial solutions for exporters offered by Export Development Canada (EDC) and, where appropriate, government-to-government contracting support through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). EDC and CCC are both portfolio Crown corporations. The department also works closely with Invest in Canada (IIC), a departmental corporation mandated to attract and facilitate high-value FDI into Canada (see separate note on “Crown Corporations & Agencies in the Global Affairs Canada Portfolio”).

International Trading System

Canada participates in a global trade regime underpinned by the World Trade Organization (WTO), which contributes to openness, predictability and transparency in global trade. However, this framework is facing several challenges that are placing significant strain on many economies. [Redacted]  

Current Priorities

CUSMA Review and establishing a new economic relationship with the United States

Formal discussions regarding the CUSMA review and other Canada-U.S. trade issues could be initiated soon. In December 2025, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Greer publicly identified, among others, dairy market access; Canada’s Online Streaming and Online News Acts; rules of origin for non-automotive industrial goods; economic security; critical minerals; and forced labour as potential subjects of discussion for the review. [Redacted]  

On February 16, 2026, the Prime Minister announced that the Honourable Janice Charette would be appointed as Canada’s Chief Negotiator to the United States. [Redacted]

Trade diversification

In October 2025, the Prime Minister announced the goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports over a decade. Budget 2025 affirmed trade diversification as a central pillar of the Government’s economic agenda, emphasizing new investments and initiatives in trade-enabling infrastructure; deepening economic ties with Europe and the Indo-Pacific; enhancing supports for small- and medium-sized exporters; and providing targeted trade support to strategic industries, including through the establishment of a new Strategic Export Office within GAC. The Government has emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach in supporting the trade diversification agenda, with coordinated action across government departments and agencies.

With a dedicated Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, trade diversification has become the Minister of International Trade’s core focus. As Deputy Minister of International Trade your primary responsibility will be supporting the Minister in advancing this priority and mobilizing departmental resources accordingly.

Canada’s trade negotiations have expanded significantly over the latter half of 2025 with the announcement of:

• Accelerated negotiations towards a free trade agreement with ASEAN with the aim to conclude as soon as possible in 2026.
• Renewing and intensifying negotiations towards a free trade agreement with Mercosur.
• Launching negotiations towards new agreements with India, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Advancing CPTPP accession negotiations with Costa Rica, Uruguay, and others.

The department is advancing negotiations with a number of partners on new Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) which protect Canadian investors abroad and support foreign direct investment into Canada.

Canada is also expected to soon launch negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) with the European Union, [Redacted]  

The department also leads with Transport Canada on the negotiation of Air Transport Agreements (ATAs), which play an important role in facilitating Canada’s international trade through the establishment and expansion of scheduled passenger and all-cargo air services.

In January 2026, Canada entered into a renewed strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China, Canada’s second largest single-country trading partner. Trade and investment are key areas of focus. Both countries have agreed on an Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap which includes revitalizing the Joint Economic and Trade Commission with engagement to be led by respective trade ministers. Canada and China also reached a preliminary joint arrangement to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed and other agricultural and seafood products. This was not a new trade agreement, rather it was an unwinding of unilateral actions that were taken between Canada and China. The Government has set a goal of increasing Canada’s exports to China by 50% by 2030. At the same time, economic and national security guardrails have been instrumental in positioning Canada to better engage with China and will continue to apply.

The Government’s trade diversification agenda is closely tied to other signature economic and security priorities and Global Affairs Canada is working closely with other departments to ensure trade resources and activities are complementary and supportive of new industry and sector-specific initiatives. For instance, a GAC-led Defence Export Strategy is a key pillar of Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy led by the Department of National Defence, which has set the goal of increasing Canada’s defence exports by 50% by 2030. The agreement to join the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative in February 2026 was a major initiative in this regard and will enable Canadian industry to participate in the fulfilment of SAFE contracts with up to 80% Canadian content.

Economic diplomacy and economic security

As major shifts are overturning long-standing assumptions about the openness and rules‑based cooperation that defined the post-war order, the department as a whole has been shifting toward a greater emphasis on economic diplomacy – the strategic use of diplomatic tools, programs and international engagement to advance and protect Canada’s short and longer-term economic interests. The department is also closely collaborating with other government departments on economic security, to more actively protect and promote strategic sectors of the economy to support sovereignty and economic resilience.

“One GAC”

Delivering on Canada’s foreign policy priorities requires the department to operate as an integrated system, with well-coordinated approaches across the department’s diplomacy, trade, development, and security activities. Through governance mechanisms and other means, you will be working closely with your departmental deputy minister colleagues to drive alignment in a deliberate pivot to strengthen Canada’s security and prosperity.

Comprehensive Expenditure Review

As part of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review, GAC must achieve up to 15% in savings over three years. These adjustments will be demanding but also create space to shift resources toward higher impact work. With much groundwork already underway, your leadership will be critical to sustaining momentum and ensuring the department can advance Canada’s interests with the approximately 85% of resources that will remain.

Key Portfolio Responsibilities of Global Affairs Canada Ministers and Deputy Ministers

Issue

• Ministers within the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) portfolio are responsible for leading and coordinating Canada’s external affairs. This includes diplomacy, consular services, international trade, international assistance, and the management of Canada’s global missions.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, 2013 (DFATD Act) establishes the Minister of Foreign Affairs as the senior minister of the department, with other ministers appointed to assist her. In practice, ministers within the department operate with autonomy as it pertains to their own mandates.
• Ministers within the GAC portfolio are each supported by a dedicated deputy minister.

Overview

Currently, the department supports the work of three ministers and a secretary of state:

• The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is also Minister of International Development;
• The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade;
• The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy;
• The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development).

While in practice it is considered the central legislation governing the activities of the department, the DFATD Act does not confer powers or authorities to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Rather, the main source of the Minister’s authority is the Royal (or Crown) Prerogative. This refers to the powers and privileges accorded by the common law to the Crown and nowadays resting with the Canadian executive branch.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, pursuant to the DFATD Act, is responsible for the management and direction of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (legal title), styled as Global Affairs Canada since 2015. The DFATD Act describes her responsibilities as:

• The conduct of diplomatic and consular relations on behalf of Canada;
• Official communication between the Government of Canada and any foreign government or international organization;
• International negotiations;
• The coordination of Canada’s international economic relations;
• The expansion of Canada’s international trade and commerce;
• International development and poverty reduction in developing countries, humanitarian assistance during crises, and other international assistance in support of peace, security, democracy, and human rights;
• The administration of the foreign service, management of Canada’s diplomatic missions, and coordination of direction from the Government to heads of missions abroad;
• The development of international law and its application in Canada’s external relations.

Other legislation relevant to the Minister’s mandate includes:

• Under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act (FMIOA), the Minister of Foreign Affairs is the central authority responsible for administering the privileges and immunities of foreign missions, international organizations, and their personnel in Canada. The act implements in Canadian law the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
• The Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and the UN Act allow the Minister of Foreign Affairs to recommend to the Governor in Council (GiC) the imposition of sanctions against individuals and entities under specific conditions (e.g. grave breach of international peace and security, human rights violations, corruption, etc.).
• The Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act allows the Minister of Foreign Affairs to recommend to the GiC the freezing of assets of foreign persons at the request of foreign states.
• Under the Export and Import Permits Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs can control the flow of goods listed on the control list.
• The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act gives the Minister of Foreign Affairs (or the Minister of National Defense) the authority to request that CSIS collect, within Canada, information or intelligence relating to foreign capabilities, intentions or activities of foreign states, groups, or persons (lead: Minister of Public Safety).
• Under the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs must consent to active cyber operations and to defensive cyber operations, and must be consulted on defensive cyber operations, before they are authorized (lead: Minister of National Defence).

Currently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is also the Minister of International Development.

While the DFATD Act specifies that other ministers are appointed to assist the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in practice they operate with full ownership of their own mandates.

Minister of International Trade

The role of the Minister of International Trade is to promote the expansion of Canada’s international trade and commerce. In addition to his departmental work which relies on employees with expertise on trade and investment matters, the Minister is the responsible minister for the below Crown corporations and agencies which operate at arm’s length. The Government provides strategic guidance to these Crown corporations through various governance instruments, including: legislation (Export Development Act, Canadian Commercial Corporation Act, Invest in Canada Act); ministerial oversight and approval of corporate plans; statements of priorities and accountabilities; and reporting to Parliament through the Minister. The Minister of International Trade is to consult the Minister of International Development on matters related to FinDev Canada.

• Export Development Canada (EDC), a Crown Corporation, is Canada’s export credit agency, with a mandate to support and develop Canada’s export trade and capacity to respond to international business opportunities through financial solutions and connections.
• FinDev Canada is a fully owned subsidiary corporation of EDC that helps developing countries by providing financial services and technical assistance consistent with Canada’s international development priorities.
• The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), a Crown Corporation, is Canada’s government-to-government contracting agency that helps Canadian exporters sell to foreign government buyers and is responsible for administration of the Canada-US Defence Production Sharing Arrangement.
• Invest in Canada (IIC) is a departmental corporation, mandated to promote, attract, and facilitate foreign direct investment in Canada. Per the Invest in Canada Act, IIC must comply with any general or special direction given by the Minister of International Trade in carrying out its mandate, and the Minister of International Trade may inquire into any of IIC’s activities and require it to provide any information under its control.

Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade, and One Canadian Economy

This role was created through an Order in Council in May 2025. The Minister oversees key national files related to cross‑border trade with the U.S. including the 2026 review of the Canada U.S. Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), federal‑provincial relations, and efforts to strengthen economic unity within Canada. The portfolio also involves advancing policies that reduce internal trade barriers and bolstering Canada’s overall economic resilience, though the department only supports the Minister in his role as Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade.

Secretary of State (International Development)

Under the Ministries and Ministers of State Act, a May 2025 Order in Council assigned the Minister of State (International Development) to be styled Secretary of State (International Development), to assist the Minister for International Development in the carrying out of that Minister’s responsibilities.

Further to this, the Minister for International Development has devolved authorities and assigned powers, duties, and functions to the Secretary of State (International Development). These include to oversee the department’s development and humanitarian assistance investments. This also includes some representation and parliamentary tablings element, as well as ministerial responsibility for the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Crown Corporation.

Deputy Ministers

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs is the deputy head of the department, and has authorities delegated from the Minister of Foreign Affairs through the Interpretation Act. There are also the usual deputy-head authorities flowing from the Financial Administration Act, Public Service Employment Act, and those delegated by the Treasury Board and the Public Service Commission.

The deputy minister exercises executive leadership over the department, using corporate governance and other mechanisms to ensure coherence across foreign policy, trade, and development assistance functions, and aligning departmental action with ministerial priorities. This includes stewardship over financial, human, and technological resources, promoting sound management and adherence to government-wide directives and accountability frameworks.

In practice:

• The Deputy Minister of International Trade exercises leadership across the international trade portfolio, including trade negotiations, trade remedies, commercial engagement, export promotion, and stewardship of the Trade Commissioner Service. He provides support to the Minister of International Trade and to Canada-U.S. functions of the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade, and One Canadian Economy. The Deputy Minister of International Trade also sits as an ex-officio director on the Invest in Canada Board of Directors and participates in quarterly board meetings.
• The Deputy Minister of International Development exercises leadership related to Canada’s international assistance policy and toolkit, and ensures that development programming aligns with Canada’s foreign policy priorities. She/he provides support to the Minister of International Development and to the Secretary of State (International Development).
• The Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs supports the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs on key files, which traditionally include departmental management.

International Calendar 2026

B. The Department and its Portfolio

The Department at a glance

Issue

• With authorities rooted in the Crown prerogative, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (reflecting the legal name of the department), and other statutes, Global Affairs Canada is responsible for managing the conduct of the external affairs of Canada, international trade and commerce, consular relations and services, and international development assistance. It does so with a current focus on supporting the government’s seven missions, including the goal laid out in Budget 2025 to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade.
• The scope of the department’s mandate and footprint is wide, with over 13,000 active employees in Canada and abroad, and proposed authorities totaling $9.6 billion for fiscal year 2025-26 (including Supplementary Estimates C). The department’s post‑Comprehensive Expenditure Review authorities in the 2026‑27 Main Estimates will amount to $7.2 billion.

Overview

The department is part of a broader ecosystem of other players which advance Canadian interests abroad, including other federal government departments, provinces and territories, and organizations and businesses.

People and skills

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) employees have a range of skills and functions. Employees include:

• Rotational employees, who are Canada-based staff (CBS) that change roles and job locations regularly throughout their careers, serving both in Canada and abroad, including in more challenging locations. This group includes executives (see below), Foreign Service Officers (FS), Foreign Service Executive Administrative Assistants (FSEAAs) and Foreign Service Information Technology Professionals (FSITPs). FS work to advance political and economic diplomacy, trade promotion and investment attraction, international assistance, and management and consular services. FSEAAs provide support to executives at HQ and Heads of Mission (HOMs) abroad while FSITPs support IT infrastructure at HQ and in our missions abroad. Managing a rotational workforce creates unique human resources challenges for the department. (As of January 31, 2026, the department had 1669 FS, 98 FSEAAs and 146 FSITPs).
• Traditional employees, who are CBS not subject to rotationality as a condition of employment but may be assigned abroad on a single assignment basis. This group includes officers, analysts, advisors, and specialists that advance policy and manage programs from headquarters. This group also includes communications, financial, administrative, procurement, and IT support professionals. (As of January 31, 2026, the department had 4,981 non-EX traditional indeterminate and term employees plus an additional 545 casuals, students and secondments in).
• Locally-engaged staff (LES), who work in Canada’s missions abroad and are hired under local labour laws to provide program, operational, and administrative support. (As of January 31, 2026, the department had 5,450 LES).
• Senior executives and HOMs, who provide leadership at headquarters, in regional offices, and at Canada’s missions abroad (embassies, high commissions, consulates and trade offices). Most missions are headed by career diplomats. A small number are headed by political appointees; these can include representation in some G7 countries and multilateral missions. (As of January 31, 2026, the department had 526 total EX – 394 rotational and 132 traditional).

Regional offices and the international platform

The department has six regional offices in Canada, notably to engage with Canadian businesses. They are located in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. (As of January 31, 2026, there were 145 CBS in Regional Offices.)

A unique aspect of the department’s work is its responsibility for the government’s presence abroad, which includes a portfolio of 3,021 properties and assets around the world. Working in 182 missions in 112 countries, the department’s international platform supports the work abroad of Global Affairs Canada and other government departments, agencies, Crown corporations, provinces and foreign government partners co-located within Government of Canada mission premises. This means significant office space, human resources, and material support, often in complex operating environments.

Core work

The work of the department aims to advance Canada’s and Canadians’ security and prosperity through the management of relations with foreign governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders including the private sector. Examples of what the department does include:

• Managing diplomatic relations: officials spend time building and maintaining bilateral, multilateral, and plurilateral relationships and coalitions that help advance Canada’s interests and values; and advancing Canada’s economic priorities abroad through advocacy and strategic insights that serve to safeguard Canada’s economic interests and support future trade and investment opportunities.
• Supporting international trade: officials negotiate agreements and promote expanded trade and investment for the benefit of all Canadians, including by fostering the success of Canadian exporters and innovators through the Trade Commissioner Service and associated programming.
• Negotiating international norms: the department is the Government’s principal source of advice on public international law as well as international trade and investment law, and treaty negotiation. Officials lead on negotiations to strengthen international rules and norms in Canada’s favour.
• Delivering international development assistance: officials shape and oversee the delivery of international assistance approaches, programs and projects that meet Canada’s broader objectives, administer funds, engage at the country level in the spirit of partnership, and engage in the governance of multilateral institutions of which Canada is a member or funder.
• Ensuring the safety of Canadians abroad: officials provide travel information and consular services. This includes visits to places of detention; deploying staff to evacuate Canadians in crisis situations; and providing emergency documentation.
• The department is also a core member of the national security community, which includes helping ensure the foreign policy coherence of Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Communications Security Establishment activities through formal consultation mechanisms.

Various programming envelopes support the government’s international work, with GAC’s grants and contributions’ proposed authorities to date amounting to $6 billion in 2025-26. A key funding instrument is the International Assistance Envelope (IAE), the majority of which is managed by GAC. The IAE is the Government of Canada’s main funding instrument to support international assistance objectives and contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development through partnerships with civil society, multilateral organizations, philanthropies and private sector organizations. This envelope is being recalibrated to more sustainable pre-COVID levels, representing a $2.7 billion reduction over the next four years, as announced in Budget 2025.

 Senior leadership and organizational design

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act allows for the Governor in Council to appoint one deputy head (the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs) and three Associate Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, each of whom is to have the rank and status of a deputy head (the Deputy Minister of International Trade, the Deputy Minister of International Development, and a Coordinator, International Economic Relations – the latter not in use). Each deputy generally supports one or more ministers or secretary of state. In practice, there has also been an additional Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Twelve branches are headed by assistant deputy ministers, reporting to you and your fellow deputy ministers. Responsibilities range from geographic regions (4 branches) to functional (5 branches) and corporate issues (2 branches) and a few special bureaus and teams. Separate branch profiles and assistant deputy minister biographies describe these responsibilities in greater detail.

The department is in its final year of a three-year transformation project focused on positioning Global Affairs Canada on an ongoing basis as an agile, open and connected organization that is able to serve Canada and Canadians well in the face of a complex, changing global context. Focused on five pillars of work (organizational culture; people; global presence; policy; and tool and processes), this agenda has led to changes in the department’s culture, governance, and operations. In fall 2024, a major organizational and governance re-design took place, consistent with these transformation objectives. Additional adjustments are ongoing to ensure that the department operates as “OneGAC”.

Parliamentary reporting and appropriations

Global Affairs Canada’s departmental results framework was revised for 2026-27 to better align with the new organizational structure and now consists of two core responsibilities (i.e., advancing Canada’s interests and addressing global challenges, and assisting Canadians abroad and supporting Canada’s overseas presence), five departmental results, and 28 indicators that reflect the department’s enduring mandate.

The department’s total 2025-26 proposed budget to date (including Supplementary Estimates C) is $9.6 billion. This amount includes:

• Operating costs: $2.6 billion;
• Capital costs: $379.1 million;
• Grants and contributions: $6.03 billion;
• Locally engaged staff pension, insurance, social security programs: $124.6 million;
• Statutory items (e.g., direct payments to international financial institutions; contributions to employee benefit plans): $417.4 million.

2025-26 Budgetary Authorities to date by Core Responsibilities ($ million)

Organizational structure

Global Affairs Canada Executive Organizational Structure (HQ)

Executive (EX) Organizational Structure (HQ)

Deputy Ministers

USS – Arun Thangaraj, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Arun Thangaraj was appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in March 2026. He has taken on this role after serving as Deputy Minister of Transport since 2023.

Before joining Transport Canada, Mr. Thangaraj was the Associate Deputy Minister at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, following two years as the Associate Deputy Minister at Transport Canada.

Before these roles, he was Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer at Global Affairs Canada and was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the former Canadian International Development Agency. Mr. Thangaraj also brings experience and knowledge on transportation issues, from his time at the Canadian Transportation Agency from 2002 to 2011. He has served various governance boards.

Mr. Thangaraj received the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for his contribution to the federal public service and to his community. He taught for several years as a sessional lecturer in the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University.

Mr. Thangaraj is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and an Honours BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto.

DMT – Glenn Purves, Deputy Minister of International Trade

Glenn Purves was appointed as Deputy Minister of International Trade in March 2026.

Before this appointment, he served as the Global Head of Macro Research at the BlackRock Investment Institute from 2025 to 2026.

From 2023 to 2025, Mr. Purves was a Board Director for Canada, Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Between 2021 and 2023, he served as Assistant Deputy Minister for Economic Development at the Department of Finance Canada.

From 2018 to 2021, he held the role of Assistant Secretary in the Expenditure Management Sector at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Prior to that, Mr. Purves served as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister in the Federal-Provincial Relations and Social Policy Branch at the Department of Finance Canada from 2016 to 2018, following senior roles in fiscal and international policy. These included Director General of Fiscal Policy from 2014 to 2016, Senior Director of International Economic and Financial Policy from 2012 to 2014, and Director in the Economic and Fiscal Policy Branch from 2011 to 2012.

From 2009 to 2011, he was Senior Advisor and Acting Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund.

Mr. Purves holds a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Science in Economics, both from Dalhousie University.

DME – Cindy Termorshuizen, Deputy Minister of International Development

Cindy Termorshuizen was appointed as Deputy Minister of International Development in March 2026. She has taken on this role after serving as Deputy Minister for the G7 Summit and as the Personal Representative of the Prime Minister (Sherpa) for both the G7 and G20 Summits at the Privy Council Office from 2024 to 2026.

Prior to this, from 2023 to 2024, she was the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Personal Representative of the Prime Minister (Sherpa) for the G7 Summit.

On January 5, 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Ms. Termorshuizen as Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Before this, she was Assistant Deputy Minister, Consular, Security and Emergency Management, at Global Affairs Canada from 2020 to 2022.

Ms. Termorshuizen previously served in a range of roles at Global Affairs Canada, including Director General of International Security Policy; Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Canada to China; and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Canada to Afghanistan. She also held a number of positions earlier in her career at the Privy Council Office and the Department of National Defence.

Ms. Termorshuizen holds a Master of Arts in political science from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts in international development and French from the University of Guelph.

DMA – David Angell, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

David Angell was appointed as Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in March 2026.

Before this appointment, Mr. Angell served as the Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister at the Privy Council Office beginning in March 2025.

From 2024 to 2025, he was the Political Director and Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Affairs at Global Affairs Canada.

Between 2019 and 2024, Mr. Angell served as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council at Global Affairs Canada.

From 2016 to 2019, he held the role of Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Foreign and Defence Policy) at the Privy Council Office.

Previously, Mr. Angell was the High Commissioner for Canada to the Republic of Kenya from 2012 to 2016, following several senior leadership roles at Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada. These included Director General for International Organizations, Human Rights and Democracy from 2009 to 2012, Director General for International Organizations from 2008 to 2009, and Director General for Africa from 2007 to 2008.

From 2004 to 2007, he served as High Commissioner for Canada to Nigeria.

Mr. Angell holds a Master of Philosophy in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Yale University.

Network Map

Financial Overview

Overview

Global Affairs Canada’s 2025-26 proposed authorities to date total $9.6 billion (including Supplementary Estimates C), with 63% allocated to grants and contributions. A significant portion of this funding is drawn from the International Assistance Envelope (IAE), which serves as the core instrument for delivering Canada’s international assistance. In addition to managing its core programs, GAC currently oversees a global platform of 182 missions across 112 countries, providing essential support to other government organizations, provinces and foreign government partners co-located within Government of Canada mission premises. This international footprint, while vital to Canada’s global engagement, adds complexity and costs to GAC’s operations.  

Over the past several years, the department has absorbed significant financial pressures, which have required it to stop, defer, and reprioritize activities to reallocate funding internally. In addition, successive rounds of reductions have required the department to streamline operations and make difficult decisions. A significant portion of GAC’s spending is tied to fixed, non-discretionary costs, while other resources are fenced, reducing opportunities for reallocations.

By 2028-29, GAC authorities are projected to decrease to $6.6 billion. This reduction is largely attributed to the Budget 2025 Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) and the sunsetting of funding initiatives aimed at combating climate change and biodiversity.

Comprehensive Expenditure Review

The government is committed to restraining the growth of day-to-day operational spending to make investments that will grow the economy and benefit Canadians. In alignment with this commitment, GAC will reduce spending by $1.1 billion by 2028-29, including a decrease of approximately 1,240 full-time equivalents. GAC will achieve these reductions by:

• refocusing Canada’s international presence in the areas of advocacy and diplomacy;
• implementing targeted reforms across the trade and investment portfolio;
• aligning development, peace, and security programming with current strategic priorities; and
• finding efficiencies across Canada’s mission network through a range of measures and cost saving strategies.

Pending Funding Decisions

As of late February 2026, the department is awaiting decisions on the renewal of sunsetting funding [Redacted], with funding anticipated to begin in 2026–27.

The outcome of these decisions will have material implications for the department’s reference levels and operating flexibility. Approval would increase departmental authorities and sustain priority programming; non-approval or partial approval would require reallocations within existing authorities, intensifying pressures on current funding and potentially affecting delivery capacity.

[Redacted]

Budget Planning

The 2026–27 budget planning exercise (operating and capital) is now underway. This process will provide a comprehensive view of the department’s financial position, highlight key risks, and enable informed decision‑making, particularly in support of long‑term fiscal sustainability and the implementation of the CER. Branches have been directed to align their plans, staffing, priorities, and risk‑mitigation strategies with multi‑year funding levels to ensure that essential, high‑impact activities can be delivered within reduced budgets and an increasingly constrained fiscal environment.

To manage emerging pressures and advance key government priorities, financial strategies are in place to support targeted reallocations and reinforce disciplined resource management across the department while preserving capacity for core mandate delivery.

• Operating and Capital Budget Carry-Forward: The department anticipates maximizing its carry-forward limits for 2025-26. As in previous years, this funding will be reallocated to support time‑limited priorities beyond branch budgets. However, with geopolitical and economic pressures mounting and successive budget reductions eroding financial flexibility, carry‑forward levels are projected to decline to roughly 3–3.5% in the coming years, reducing the department’s buffer against volatility and significantly limiting the department’s ability to respond to unforeseen pressures.
• Reference Levels Holdback: In prior years, the department implemented a reference level holdback strategy to realign funding with multi‑year or ongoing pressures stemming from emerging priorities, structural deficits, or investment opportunities aimed at generating efficiencies. Given CER implementation and limited remaining efficiencies at the branch level, no new holdback will be established for 2026–27. This reflects the diminishing availability of discretionary funding within existing reference levels. As a result, the department will instead focus on strategically leveraging unallocated funding from previous years' holdback to address ongoing pressures and support priority initiatives.
• CER Contingency: Established to address uncertainty in the timing and realization of savings, the CER contingency provides flexibility for initiatives that may face implementation delays or require upfront investment. This mechanism will be critical to managing implementation risk while maintaining fiscal discipline.

As for Vote 10 (Grants and Contributions), future funding decisions will be guided by alignment with program priorities and evolving government direction. Within the development portfolio, the department intends to review budget allocations to confirm alignment with strategic objectives and ensure flexibility to adapt to emerging priorities.

Looking ahead

Despite these constraints, GAC continues to reposition itself to meet an increasingly volatile and complex global environment. Rising costs, reduced budgets, and the sunsetting of several initiatives underscore the imperative to sharpen prioritization, realign resources with core mandate responsibilities, and pursue more efficient and innovative delivery models. 

Looking ahead, the department is advancing targeted transformation and restructuring efforts to generate the financial flexibility required to sustain critical operations and respond to emerging pressures. A multi-year planning approach anchors decision-making, setting clear objectives early in the fiscal year to enable more strategic, coordinated, and forward-looking resource management. This approach strengthens organizational agility and supports disciplined trade-offs in a context of sustained fiscal restraint.

Workforce Overview

Overview

As of January 31, 2026, the department’s workforce consisted of

• 8,388 Canada-based staff (CBS) serving either in Canada or at missions abroad (87% of which are indeterminate):
  • 6,828 CBS at headquarters;
  • 145 CBS in regional offices across Canada;
  • 526 (394 rotational) executives in Canada and abroad;
  • 798 foreign service officers abroad.
• 5,450 locally engaged staff (LES), usually foreign citizens who are engaged under local labour laws to provide essential program, operational, and administrative support at our missions.

Some of GAC’s employees work in difficult places around the world, including in active conflict zones.

Among the department’s various occupational groups and assignment types, a cadre of “rotational” employees (33% of the department’s Canada-based staff workforce) supports the delivery of the department’s unique mandate through assignments typically ranging between two to four years. These assignments alternate between missions abroad, headquarters and Canadian regional offices. This rotational cadre is made up of our foreign service officers in trade, political-economic, international assistance, and management and consular streams, administrative assistants, IT specialists, and executives, including Canada’s heads of mission.

The department generally refers to the remainder of its Canada-based workforce (67%) as “traditional” employees.

Key Statistics

Official languages: Among GAC’s CBS population, 60% have their first official language as English, 40% French.

Employment equity: Over the past 5 years, GAC’s representation rates among three of the four Employment Equity groups have been above the Workforce Availability Estimates, the exception being Persons with Disabilities.

Age: There is a range of experience within the department and a significant mix of generations. 26% of the CBS population is under the age of 34 and 56% are between the ages of 35 and 55. Among LES, 17% are under the age of 34, while the majority (59%) are between the ages of 35 and 55.

Attrition: The department’s attrition rate for indeterminate CBS in 2024-25 stands as one of the lowest in a decade (5.2%), compared to the average fiscal year attrition rate since 2014 (7.3%).

Corporate Governance

Issue

• As is customary in federal departments, the goal of corporate governance at GAC is to support deputy head accountabilities and foster the cohesion of strategic direction through integrated, inclusive and transparent decisions by senior leadership. This is particularly important in a department that serves four ministerial mandates and oversees extensive global operations.
• Governance currently features “tier 1” committees, which promote coherence and integration on horizontal issues and support deputies in making key decisions, and “tier 2” committees which provide oversight and strategic guidance across corporate functions, policy, operations and services. Both tier 1 and tier 2 committees are chaired at the deputy or associate deputy minister-level in the department.
• The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs oversees the overall corporate governance structure and chairs its two most senior “tier 1” committees, Executive Committee and Management Committee.

Overview

Global Affairs Canada’s corporate governance model was last refreshed in fall 2024 to accompany a major internal reorganization, with key changes made to: inject more discipline and speed in consequential decisions; make governance committees more connected to the day-to-day administration of the department including by linking committee mandates and decision-making more directly to deputy ministers’ responsibilities and by designating deputy ministers as chairs of tier 2 committees; increase participation of HOMs to represent mission perspectives; and further deepen the integration of the department’s operations (including by rescinding some prior stream-specific committees). A key feature of 2024 reforms was the creation of advisory committees that formalize the inputs of heads of mission and staff, respectively. The current model emphasizes senior-level engagement and integrated approaches to horizontal issues, in the spirit of ensuring the right people are involved in shaping decisions. Secretariat support for Executive Committee, Management Committee, and all “tier 2” committees is centralized under the Corporate Secretariat to allow for consistency, efficiency and coordination in governance operations, planning and logistics.

Tier 1 Committees

The department has three tier 1 committees:

• The Executive Committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, comprising of all departmental deputy ministers and senior/lead assistant deputy ministers, meets weekly and focuses on the strategic issues and ministerial/international engagements that require immediate triage for the week. Inspired by a Cabinet/Cabinet Committee model, it also receives debriefs and ratifies key decisions considered by “tier 2” committees in prior weeks.
• The Management Committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, with broader membership inclusive of all deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers, select special bureaux directors general, and the chairs of both the HOM Council and the Staff Advisory Council, is meant to provide longer-term strategic oversight.
• The Performance Measurement and Evaluation Committee (Treasury Board-mandated), chaired by the Deputy Minister of International Development, advises on departmental performance measurement and evaluation

Also Treasury-Board mandated but externally-chaired, the Departmental Audit Committee offers independent guidance on risk management, control, and governance. 

Tier 2 Committees

The department has five tier 2 committees, each chaired by a deputy or associate deputy minister, and co-chaired by an assistant deputy minister:

• Global Policy and Strategy (alignment of policies and priorities to advance Canada’s interests internationally) chaired by the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs;
• People (workforce management and support) chaired by the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs;
• Finances and Operations (stewardship of funds, security, and property) chaired by the Deputy Minister of International Trade;
• Programs and Services (delivery of grants, contributions, and services to Canadians) chaired by the Deputy Minister of International Development, and;
• Digital (strategic management of digital platforms and information) chaired by the Deputy Minister of International Trade.

Councils

Two advisory councils bring specific perspectives into governance discussions.

• The Heads of Mission Council, whose chair is a head of mission member of the Management Committee, provides coordinated insights from Canada’s global network of missions, ensuring international operational realities inform key decisions.
• The Staff Advisory Council, chaired by a non-executive employee who is also a member of Management Committee, advises on employee perspective and brings diversity, equity and inclusion considerations to organizational management.

Together, these councils complement formal governance mechanisms and strengthen the department’s commitment to inclusive, people‑centred decisions.

Corporate Governance Observer Program

An observer and mentorship program provide employees with the opportunity to observe some committee meetings and discuss their participation with a mentor.

Visual rendering of GAC’s Corporate Governance Structure

Crown Corporations and Agencies in the Global Affairs Canada portfolio

Issue

• Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC’s) portfolio of Crown corporations carries legislated mandates that support the Government’s international trade, foreign policy, and international development priorities.
• The Minister of International Trade is accountable to Parliament for Export Development Canada (EDC), its subsidiary FinDev Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), providing strategic direction and oversight. EDC delivers financing, insurance, guarantees, and market expertise to exporters, FinDev provides development finance, and CCC manages government-to-government contracts, particularly in defence. They operate at arm’s length under CEO leadership. The Minister of International Trade is also accountable to Parliament for Invest in Canada (IIC), a departmental corporation responsible for promoting, attracting, and facilitating investment into Canada. The Export Development Act requires the Minister for International Development to be consulted on matters related to international development.
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs, acting as the Minister for International Development, is responsible for the International Development Research Centre, with authorities devolved to the Secretary of State (International Development), such as to oversee appointments and approve key compliance documents.

Overview

Global Affairs Canada works closely with several arm’s‑length Crown corporations and agencies that contribute to Canada’s trade, foreign policy, and international development objectives.

These organizations manage significant financial and programmatic activities and require robust oversight of corporate plans, board appointments, risk management, and performance. Strong governance and coordinated departmental support are essential to ensuring that the portfolio advances Canada’s economic, international, and development priorities. The tools of the trade portfolio play an important role in advancing Canada’s trade diversification strategy and initiatives led by the Major Projects Office.

As arm’s length Crown corporations, Export Development Canada and the Canadian Commercial Corporation are not subject to the Comprehensive Economic Review at an organizational level as financially self-sustaining entities; however, they are expected to align with the spirit and intent of the review.

International trade portfolio

Crown Corporation Governance

As portfolio Minister for EDC and CCC, the Minister of International Trade provides strategic direction to their Boards and monitors corporate performance to ensure alignment with Government priorities. Each corporation is governed by a Governor‑in‑Council–appointed Board responsible for oversight, while day‑to‑day operations are led by a CEO accountable to the Board. The Minister of International Trade’s responsibilities include issuing annual Statements of Priorities and Accountabilities (SPAs) or letters of expectation, recommending five‑year Corporate Plans to Treasury Board for approval, advising on Board and CEO appointments, and on specific transactions as required under the Financial Administration Act and the corporations’ enabling statutes.

Export Development Canada

EDC, established in 1944 under the Export Development Act, is Canada’s export credit agency. It provides financing, insurance, guarantees, equity, and market intelligence to support Canadian exporters and investors. EDC operates on commercial principles and is financially self‑sustaining, returning capital annually to the Government of Canada. It also plays a key role in implementing federal priorities, including trade diversification, economic security, energy transition, critical minerals, agri‑food, and defence‑related industrial capabilities. In 2024, EDC facilitated $123.4 billion in exports and foreign investment under commercial terms or the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits.

Canada Account

The Canada Account, which has a $100 billion statutory limit, is used to support transactions that fall outside EDC’s risk capacity but are deemed to be in the national interest, subject to authorization by the Minister of International Trade and concurrence from the Minister of Finance. Administered by EDC on behalf of the Government of Canada, all risks and costs associated with Canada Account transactions are borne by the Government and reported separately in the Public Accounts.

FinDev Canada

FinDev Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of EDC, provides loans, equity, and blended finance in emerging markets to support Canada’s international assistance priorities. Funded with $1.35 billion from EDC and additional government finance—including $75.9 million for the 2X Canada Facility and $700 million from Budget 2024—it operates in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Indo-Pacific, managing a $3 billion portfolio across 59 clients focused on climate, gender, and market development. The Minister of International Trade, in consultation with the Minister of International Development, oversees FinDev’s mandate.

Canadian Commercial Corporation

The CCC, established in 1946 under the Canadian Commercial Corporation Act, is Canada’s government‑to‑government contracting agency. Central to its mandate is administration of the Defence Production Sharing Agreement, which allows Canadian companies to compete for United States Department of Defense contracts above US$350,000 on the same footing as U.S. suppliers. CCC’s International Prime Contracting services support government‑to‑government transactions, while its Sourcing business lines provides procurement services to support federal partners such as National Defence. In 2024–25, CCC supported 1,214 Canadian businesses and helped 559 exporters secure $6.1 billion in contracts with 74 countries, supporting 12,458 jobs.

Invest in Canada

Invest in Canada (IIC), established in 2018 as a departmental corporation, is mandated to attract and facilitate high‑value foreign direct investment that supports Canada’s economic growth and competitiveness. IIC works with federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal partners to promote Canada as an investment destination, offer strategic guidance to investors, and coordinate major investment opportunities. It reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Trade.

International development portfolio

The International Development Research Centre

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), established in 1970 as a Crown corporation, supports research and innovation to advance social and economic progress in developing countries. It strengthens local research capacity, promotes evidence-based policymaking, and contributes to Canada’s international assistance and foreign policy objectives. Through programs in food systems, health, education, governance, and inclusive economies, IDRC fosters long-term partnerships in regions central to Canada’s global engagement. The Minister for International Development is designated through Order in Council as the Minister responsible for IDRC. In this role, the Minister recommends appointments to the Board of Governors and approves key documents, including financial estimates, annual reports, and audits. The Minister has assigned this role to the Secretary of State (International Development). IDRC is considered a “non agent” Crown corporation, meaning it acts in its own right rather than on behalf of the federal Crown. Its actions neither legally bind the Government of Canada nor create liabilities for it, and unlike most other Crown corporations, IDRC is excluded from the Financial Administration Act’s (FAA) financial management and control system, which gives it an added degree of operational autonomy.

Branch overview

Strategy, Policy and Public Affairs Branch (RFM)

Catherine Jobin, Assistant Deputy Minister

Catherine oversees the department’s integrated strategy, policy development, communications, and engagement functions across foreign policy, international economic policy, and international development.

Prior to Global Affairs Canada, she held senior roles at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the Privy Council Office, and worked at the Canadian International Development Agency, with a posting to the Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan.

She holds an MSc from the London School of Economics, a Master’s from Sciences Po Paris, and a BSc from Université de Montréal.

Marie-Elise Rancourt, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister and Head of Communications

Marie-Elise leads strategic and crisis communications, as well as public affairs to support the government’s priorities and GAC ministers. She oversees the corporate secretariat including parliamentary affairs and access to information. Under her leadership, the public affairs teams provide support and guidance to missions abroad to ensure that Canada’s voice in the world is consistent and coherent.

Prior to this role, Marie-Elise served as Director General for Public Affairs and Director General at Finance Canada. Her career has also included executive roles at Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Privy Council Office.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Political Science from the University of Ottawa.

Branch Mandate

Created as part of the 2024 transformation and reorganization of the department, the Strategy, Policy and Public Affairs Branch integrates the department’s work by leading strategic policy development, priority setting, public affairs and engagement – with the ultimate goal of articulating and supporting the promotion of Canada’s interests abroad. The branch supports ministers in setting strategy including through Cabinet affairs; leads major exercises; supports the G7 and G20 summits processes; and delivers strategic communications, employee engagement and corporate services (including governance). The Office of the Chief Economist, the Open Insights Hub and the evaluation function form part of the branch, helping anchor the department’s activities and responses to geostrategic developments, in evidence and knowledge. Canada’s mission to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development reports into the branch.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• [Redacted]
• [Redacted]
• Spring Economic Update: [Redacted]
• Economic diplomacy: An exercise is afoot to reorient a portion of Canada’s diplomatic activity towards a greater focus on economic insights and statecraft, in support and consistent with the government’s priorities. The branch animates this work out of its international economic policy function, [Redacted]
• Internal communications on implementation of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER): [Redacted]

International Security and Political Affairs Branch (IFM)

Richard Arbeiter, Political Director and Assistant Deputy Minister

Richard took on his role in July 2025, previously serving as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister in the same branch from July 2024. From 2018 to 2024, he served as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN in New York.

Since joining the Canadian Foreign Service in 2001, he has worked across a broad range of international peace and security and global economic issues, including as Director General, Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion; and Director General, International Security Policy Bureau.

He served abroad at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the UN and at the Embassy of Canada to Chile.

He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from NPSIA, Carleton University and a B.A. in North American Studies from McGill.

Branch Mandate

The International Security and Political Affairs Branch supports the department’s strategic direction on defence, security, and geopolitical issues, providing integrated policy advice and operational tools to protect Canadian interests. Its mandate spans to policy development, intelligence integration, sanctions and export controls, and Canada’s engagement in key security and political multilateral institutions (UN, NATO, G7 Foreign Ministers Track, Francophonie, Commonwealth and OSCE). The branch provides the analytical foundation and operational tools to navigate global security challenges and works across government and with international partners to address emerging and hybrid threats, manage international conflicts, and safeguard Canadians at home and abroad. The branch’s regulatory work—particularly on sanctions and export controls (including permits)— constitutes a high‑volume, fast‑evolving workload requiring careful calibration of powerful instruments with broader economic and diplomatic considerations.

Through its recent reorganization (going from 7 to 5 bureaus), IFM is consolidating functions to streamline processes, strengthen integrated security responses, and enable more agile use of diplomatic and regulatory tools. The branch is also responsible for 6 multilateral missions abroad.

In addition to his role as Assistant Deputy Minister, Richard Arbeiter is also Global Affairs Canada’s Political Director. In this role, he acts as principal adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on geopolitical issues and supports Canada’s leadership in the G7 Foreign Ministers Track. All G7 countries and a number of other European and Asian countries have the same role/function.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

Issues:

• Geopolitical hotspots: A number of volatile situations - including Iran, Gaza, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Greenland, Taiwan and Haiti - could evolve rapidly. IFM works with partners across the department and government (including Department of National Defence, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Communications Security Establishment) to support timely security advice and responses.
• Intelligence: In his/her first few weeks, [Redacted] This aspect is essential in better understanding the international landscape. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs has a role at several intelligence-related committee meetings.
• Arctic security: The branch is leading, in coordination with the geographic branch, on Arctic security and political director conversations with Arctic Allies (Nordic + U.S.) to help address tensions in this priority security area.
• Hybrid threats: The branch continues to build capacity on this evolving security threat. The branch hosts the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) to monitor, detect and propose responses to Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference (FIMI) and Transnational Repression (TNR). The RRM will expand in the coming year to permanently monitor foreign threats targeting Canadian interests domestically.
• Nuclear cooperation: The branch manages issues ranging from peaceful nuclear use to evolving nuclear postures. With the expiry of the U.S.–Russia bilateral arms control agreement (February 2026) [Redacted]
• Francophonie: The Prime Minister has announced Canada's intention to submit its bid to host the 2028 Francophonie Summit, which would see the participation of more than 50 heads of state and 100 delegations from member countries. The decision by member states will be made in November 2026 at the Summit in Cambodia.

Upcoming dates/decision points

• Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB): Canada will participate in negotiations beginning March 2026, with interest in securing a leadership role (including hosting the headquarters). This new multilateral financial institution will aim to leverage sovereign capital towards loans and guarantees to support multi-year financing for countries and firms across defence and defence-adjacent industries.
• Operation REASSURANCE: Operation (OP) REASSURANCE is Canada’s most significant contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts. It is being renewed to 2029.
• G7: France will host the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on March 26–27, Paris, on the way to the Leaders’ summit in June. IFM supports the Minister of Foreign Affairs participation.
• Canadian Patrol Submarine Project: The government aims to select a preferred supplier for the replacement of its four aging Victoria-class submarines in spring 2026, following shortlisting of TKMS (Germany) and Hanwha Ocean (South Korea). [Redacted]
• NATO: The NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (May, Sweden) and Leaders’ Summit (July 5-7, Ankara) will highlight Alliance priorities: defence investment, deterrence enhancements, industrial capacity, and long‑term support for Ukraine. IFM continues supporting work to meet Canada’s commitments, including increasing defence investments to 5% GDP and implementing new procurements (submarines, fighter jets) that contribute to protect Canadian security alliances.

International Trade Branch (TFM)

Sara Wilshaw, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Chief Trade Commissioner

Sara took on her role in 2020. Prior to this, she served as Director of Operations, Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat at the Privy Council Office (PCO). In this role she provided strategic analysis on matters concerning Canada-U.S. relations, Latin America, trade, climate change, human rights and the United Nations.

Sara served as Director General for North America at Global Affairs Canada during the renegotiation of NAFTA, and as Consul General in Dallas. She has also served abroad at Canada’s the High Commission of Canada in India, Permanent Mission to the WTO in Geneva, and Embassy of Canada in Japan.

Sara is a graduate of York University’s International Relations and Economics program.

Aaron fowler, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for International Trade and Chief Trade Negotiator

Aaron took on his role in 2022. Prior to this, he held a variety of executive roles across the Public Service, including Chief Agriculture Negotiator and Director General at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (2018-22); Executive Director for Tariffs and Market Access (2017-18) and Director and Deputy Chief Negotiator for Softwood Lumber (2014-16) at Global Affairs Canada. He also served as Counsellor – Market Access at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the WTO in Geneva.

Aaron is from Moncton, New Brunswick.

Martin Moen, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade

Martin is responsible for Canada-U.S. economic issues and [Redacted]

From 2019 to 2025, he served as Deputy Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva. He was also Director General for North American Trade Policy and Negotiations in Global Affairs Canada, and Deputy Chief Negotiator for the NAFTA renegotiations. Earlier in his career, he held various trade/economic positions, including at the Canadian Embassy in Washington and at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing.

He is a native of Medicine Hat, Alberta, and holds degrees in Asian studies (University of Alberta and University of British Columbia) and international relations (Carleton University).

Branch Mandate

International trade is fundamental to Canada’s prosperity. The International Trade Branch is responsible for advancing the government’s trade policy and promotion agenda. Supporting Canadian companies and growing the Canadian economy through international trade and investment is at the core of the Branch’s mandate.

The International Trade portfolio plays an important role in managing Canada’s response to U.S. trade measures. Trade diversification and economic security are important areas of focus as Canada pursues greater economic resiliency in an increasingly unstable, unpredictable and protectionist global economic environment.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

As per PMMC’s mandate letter, mission 1 Establishing a new economic and security relationship with the United States and strengthening our collaboration with reliable trading partners and allies around the world.

• Canada-United States 2026 Trade Agenda: In accordance with mission 1 of the Prime Minister’s mandate letter, the government is entering an intensive period of negotiations with the United States that will shape the next phase of the bilateral trade relationship. [Redacted]
• [Redacted]
• Trade Diversification: In October 2025, the Prime Minister announced the goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade, in line with mission 1 of his mandate letter. Budget 2025 confirmed trade diversification as a central pillar of the government’s economic agenda, including investments in trade‑enabling infrastructure, new trade agreements, strengthening ties with Europe and the Indo‑Pacific, enhanced exporter support, and the creation of a Strategic Export Office. Interdepartmental coordination is expanding, including through the Deputy Ministers Committee on Trade Diversification, chaired by the Deputy Minister of International Trade since February 2026. A forthcoming Team Canada Trade Hub is under early development to support federal‑provincial coordination.
• [Redacted] The Defence Exports Division has been initiated using temporary funding. Internal reallocations are supporting early Strategic Export Office setup.
• Free trade negotiations: As part of its trade diversification efforts, Canada is adding to its suite of trade agreements by negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines, Thailand, Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay), India, and the United Arab Emirates. It is also engaged with negotiations on the accession of new members to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with Costa Rica’s negotiations close to being concluded, and an Accession Working Group established for Uruguay. Canada is negotiating Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements and Air Transport Agreements with a variety of global partners. Canada is also advancing ratification of its concluded agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador. In addition, Canada is facilitating engagement to build bridges between the EU and CPTPP towards building new norms and disciplines to enhance trade and investment.
• China Commercial Relations: China remains a significant export market (4.4% of merchandise exports in 2025), though concentrated in a few key sectors. Relations have been strained by reciprocal trade restrictions in recent years. The Prime Minister visited Beijing (January 15–17) to launch a renewed bilateral partnership focused on energy, clean technology, agri‑food, and two‑way trade. A Preliminary Joint Arrangement was agreed, including Chinese commitments to reduce anti‑dumping duties on canola seed (≤6%); suspend retaliatory tariffs on canola meal, peas, lobster, and crab until year‑end and Canadian commitments on limited EV market access (49,000 vehicles at MFN rate, with an annual growth factor and a share reserved for low‑cost EVs); tariff remissions on selected steel and aluminum products until year‑
• Economic Security: Protecting Canada’s economic security requires cooperation with domestic and international stakeholders and partners. GAC is a key partner in the Investment Canada Act national security review process, supporting Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in screening foreign investments.

International Assistance Partnerships and Programming Branch (YFM)

Leslie Norton, Assistant Deputy Minister

Leslie has been in her current position since September 2024. She has served in a number of positions at both headquarters and in the field, including as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Conference on Disarmament in Geneva (2019-2024), as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Sub-Saharan Africa Branch and was subsequently appointed Canada’s (2016-2019). Prior to that, she served as Director General of the International Humanitarian Assistance Bureau and as Director General of the Southern and Eastern Africa Bureau.

She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, and a master’s degree in international relations from Université Laval in Québec City.

Patricia Peña, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister

Patricia has been in her current position since September 2024. She has served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of International Development Partnerships and Operations (2022-2024). She was Director General Foreign Policy and Director General Economic Development (2020-2022) and as Canada’s Ambassador to Chile (2017-2020). From 2007 to 2011, she held various policy and operational positions at CIDA, including as Director Democratic Governance and Human Rights, and Director of Economic Development and Natural Resources.

Prior to joining the Canadian public service, Patricia lived for almost ten years in London, England and worked in various public sector agencies, including the UK Electoral Commission where she oversaw political financing regulation in the United Kingdom.

She has an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Toronto and a master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Branch Mandate

The International Assistance Partnerships and Programming Branch is the department’s international assistance hub, bringing together development, humanitarian, and peace and security programming. The branch manages Canada’s strategic international assistance engagement and partnerships with Canadian, global, and multilateral organizations, including the multilateral development banks (MDBs), and is organized by thematic areas of activity, including global health and food systems, social and economic development, development and climate finance, humanitarian assistance, and peace and security. The branch also leads on strategic international assistance programming policy, priority setting, operations and procedures, coordinated resource allocation and knowledge sharing for the department on international assistance. In 2024-25, YFM disbursed over $4.1 billion to over 850 projects, including long-term institutional support for United Nations institutions, global and Canadian civil society partners. Of the total amount, $1 billion was programmed through international financial institutions.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Humanitarian Response to 2026 Global Appeals: Responding to protracted humanitarian crises is the foundation of Canada’s humanitarian response. Some decisions remain pending that would support disbursements this fiscal year.
• International Climate Finance Commitment Renewal: Global Affairs Canada is responsible for the joint governance (with Environment and Climate Change Canada) of the $5.3 billion climate finance commitment as well as direct implementation of all the loans (Unconditionally Repayable Contributions) in the commitment (just over $3 billion of the $5.3 billion total). The current commitment ends March 31, 2026, and the department is awaiting a funding and policy decision on its renewal.
• Investment Planning: The international assistance investment planning process for 2026-27 is expected to be launched shortly, pending final Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) decisions. While this is chiefly in support of the Minister of International Development’s programming accountabilities (assigned to Secretary of State Sarai), note that YFM’s peace and security programs remain under the authority of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) Replenishment: Canada is a founding and leading donor to the GFF, a multi-donor trust fund housed within the World Bank Group (WBG) which leverages World Bank financing to improve the health and nutrition of women, children and adolescents. The GFF will host a pledging event on the margins of the WBG and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in April, which will require a (internal to the department) decision on renewed funding.
• Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Replenishment: GPE is the largest fund dedicated to providing quality basic education to children in lower-income countries. The replenishment event will be co-hosted by the Governments of Italy and Nigeria in Rome, in early June 2026. This will also require a (internal to the department) decision on renewed funding.
• Supporting the Secretary of State’s Role as Canada’s Governor in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): the Secretary of State (International Development) is Canada’s Governor in the four following MDBs:
  • African Development Bank (AfDB);
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB);
  • Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); and
  • Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Expected decisions points relate to proposed resolutions on organizational governance matters, new strategies, and policy changes.

• Global Health Ecosystem Reforms: Canada is engaged in numerous global health-related reform initiatives and dialogues; some elements will feature ministerial‑level events this spring.
• Comprehensive Expenditure Review Decisions and Implementation: A significant portion of the department’s CER savings consist in reduced transfer payment programming to multilateral, global and Canadian partner organizations, bringing Canada’s overall international assistance closer to pre-COVID levels. Since the CER proposals were approved, the department has had to look for additional savings, [Redacted] Stakeholders will be reaching out and engagement will be required, as commitments to various organizations come up for renewal.

Consular, Security, Legal and Protocol Branch (CFM)

Tara Denham, Assistant Deputy Minister and Senior Official for Hostage Affairs

Tara was previously the Director General for Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion at Global Affairs Canada and the Senior Official on cyber, digital and emerging technology policy issues, leading Canada’s foreign policy engagement on inclusion, democracy and human rights, and its digital and cybersecurity dimensions.

Tara took on the role of Women’s Champion in October 2023 and continues to advocate and support the Women’s Network in the department.

She has worked in both policy and programming areas within Global Affairs Canada, including as Director General of the Ukraine Strategic Action Team; Head of Evaluation; and Director of the Centre for International Digital Policy where she spearheaded the creation of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism during Canada’s Presidency in 2018. She has also managed programming teams, including the portfolios of the Middle East, Afghanistan, democracy and human rights, and peace support operations. She has been deployed to Afghanistan as the Chief of Staff to the Representative of Canada to Kandahar (2009-2010).

Tara has worked in GAC for 20 years and previously worked in the non-governmental sector. She has a master’s degree in international affairs (conflict studies) from Carleton University.

Branch Mandate

The Consular, Security, Legal, and Protocol Branch coordinates whole‑of‑government consular support to Canadians abroad, oversees departmental and mission security, provides independent international legal advice, and manages official visits and protocol services.

The branch provides strategic leadership for the consular program, including case management, operational guidance for missions, and response capacity for complex consular cases, including hostage‑takings. It also directs planning, preparedness, and response to international emergencies and publishes the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories. On security, using a risk‑based and policy-driven approach, the branch governs the security of people, information, and assets at Headquarters and across missions.

To strengthen effectiveness and coherence, consular services, policies, and operations are consolidated within a single bureau (CND); emergency management functions are grouped with a clear crisis command structure (CED); and all departmental and mission security functions reside under the Chief Security Officer (CSD).

The International Law Bureau (JLD), headed by Canada’s Legal Adviser, provides the government’s principal source of independent public international law advice. The Bureau leads on issues such as international human rights, humanitarian law, environmental and oceans law, aerospace law, diplomatic and consular law, cyber and international criminal law, and treaty law.

The Office of Protocol of Canada (XDD) works with the Prime Minister’s Office, Privy Council Office and ministerial offices to coordinate outgoing and incoming official visits at the Governor General, Prime Minister and ministerial levels; official events hosted by the Prime Minister, ministers and senior officials in Canada; and services to the foreign diplomatic corps, including the management of accreditation, privileges and immunities, outreach programs, and diplomatic security.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

Consular/emergency management:

• Iran contingency planning: Canada has no diplomatic presence in Iran, and Italy - our protecting power - [Redacted] Approximately 5,500 Canadians are estimated to reside in Iran. Travel advice has been “Avoid All Travel” since March 2020. Regional contingency plans have been updated to support Canadians crossing into neighbouring countries. The security environment remains volatile, [Redacted]
• Canadian extremist travellers: Up to 11 Canadian extremist travellers have been detained in Northeast Syria. A negotiated arrangement between Syrian authorities and Kurdish forces means the existing Cabinet‑approved Policy Framework may no longer apply. Recent U.S. transfers of detainees to Iraq may include up to eight Canadians, some unconfirmed. Depending on Iraqi decisions (prosecutions or deportations), the Government may need to consider options for potential returns to Canada. These cases involve high legal, political, and public scrutiny.
• Consular Digital Service Window: This is the department’s flagship consular modernization initiative. The window will transform how Canadians access consular services. It is critical to the department’s delivery of Comprehensive Expenditure Review reductions.
• [Redacted]
• [Redacted]
• [Redacted]
• JLAC Service Standards: JLAC is GAC's Authentication Services Section. [Redacted]
• [Redacted]
• [Redacted]

Protocol:

• Supporting numerous incoming and outgoing official visits in the coming months at the Head of State, Head of Government and Minister level – details to be confirmed individually via separate cover.
• [Redacted] No further details available at this time.

Europe, Middle East and Arctic Branch (EGM)

Alexandre Lévêque, Assistant Deputy Minister

Alexandre is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Europe, Arctic, and the Middle East. Previously, he was the Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy at Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

A career diplomat, he has occupied senior positions at the Privy Council Office (PCO) and Global Affairs Canada.

He completed multiple postings abroad, most recently as High Commissioner to Tanzania, and previously in Thailand and at the United Nations in New York.

Branch Mandate

The Europe, Middle East and Arctic Branch (EGM) is accountable for developing and advancing Canada’s international relations in Europe, the Middle East and Arctic. This includes engagement across 71 countries and support for 51 missions. The branch has an annual budget of $325 million and a global footprint of over 2100 employees.

EGM’s core business lines cover foreign policy: building strong political, economic and strategic partnerships with Europe; responding to complex geopolitical challenges such as Arctic security and sovereignty, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and the Gaza peace plan. Secondly, trade centres on strengthening economic partnerships and expanding diversification with priority trading partners across Europe and the Middle East. The development business line involves designing and delivering programs that support sustainable growth in partner countries while promoting Canadian interests, with a particular focus on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• European Union:
  • New Ambassador Jonathan Wilkinson expected to arrive in Brussels in Spring.
  • Personal Representative of the Prime Minister John Hannaford works closely with department in implementing ambitious Canada-EU summit statement from June 2025. Hannaford regularly engages DMs.
• Russia:
  • [Redacted]
  • Sanctions (e.g., targeting energy revenues, shadow fleet) are generally announced in reaction to significant events and on the occasion of milestones/major multilateral meetings.
• Ukraine:
  • S.-brokered peace negotiations are ongoing [Redacted] Territory and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are the outstanding points of contention. Intensified Russian air strikes over the winter have had a severe impact [Redacted].
  • Positioning Canadian companies to be competitive for reconstruction contracts in the event of a ceasefire is a [Redacted]
  • [Redacted]
• Germany:
  • [Redacted]
  • Germany will host the 5th meeting of the Canada Germany High Level Steering Group (HLSG) in Berlin on [Redacted]. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the German Federal Foreign Office State Secretary co-chair the day-long meeting.
• Arctic:
  • The Arctic has taken on increasing prominence at deputy-minister and Cabinet-level discussions. A deputy-minister Arctic Committee meets one to two times per month to coordinate whole-of-government efforts under Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
• Canada-Nordic cooperation:
  • The Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Norway underscores Canada’s increased focus on Nordic Cooperation. [Redacted] in so doing, operationalizes the Prime Minister’s Davos speech on middle power cooperation.
• Middle East conflict:
  • On February 28, 2026, Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei and other top Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps leadership. Iran retaliated with widespread missile and drone attacks, targeting civilian and energy infrastructure, and US interests in the Middle East. [Redacted]
• Syria:
  • In January of 2026, the Syrian Transitional Government entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces, resulting in a transition in who ran prisons and refugee camps in North East Syria. Over 3,000 prisoners were transferred to Iraq, [Redacted]
  • Following tensions between Iran and the United States, the two countries began negotiations in February 2026 towards a deal [Redacted] Gaza Peace Plan: Work continues to support implementation, including humanitarian funding and advocacy. Development of options for Canadian leadership in early recovery in Gaza is underway
• West Bank [Redacted]:
  • [Redacted]
• Gaza Peace Plan:
  • Work continues to support implementation, including humanitarian funding and advocacy. [Redacted]
• United Arab Emirates:
  • The Prime Minister’s November 2025 visit launched a new bilateral roadmap; Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations are expected to begin in early 2026. [Redacted]
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
  • [Redacted]
• Qatar:
  • The Prime Minister’s January 2026 visit reset the bilateral relationship at a higher level, advancing political, economic, and security cooperation, including efforts to attract inward investment. [Redacted]

Americas Branch (NGM)

Glen Linder, Assistant Deputy Minister

A lawyer by training, Glen began his public service career as a Foreign Service officer. He subsequently worked at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Department of Justice, Public Safety Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada. Early in his career, he completed a posting to the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala.

Glen returned to Global Affairs Canada in 2023, where he served as Director General for North America and as Director General of the Sanctions Bureau. He was Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas from July 2023 to September 2024, and again since August 2025.

Branch Mandate

The Americas Branch leads Canada's engagement across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It consists of four bureaus at headquarters and 53 missions in 25 countries, working in an integrated fashion across political, economic, commercial, and international assistance lines to advance Canada’s strategic economic and security interests. NGM manages Canada’s relationship with the United States, our most extensive and consequential bilateral relationship. Canada and the United States have deeply integrated economies, strong cooperation on security and defence issues, long shared histories, and entangled strategic interests. Canada also works closely with key partner Mexico, our third-biggest trading partner.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, NGM leads engagement with key regional partners including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Argentina. NGM, in close partnership with U.S. counterparts, plays a key role in advancing security, democracy, and development in Haiti. Strong bilateral and commercial relationships (including free trade agreements with eight countries in the hemisphere, and with an additional five countries under active negotiation) position Canada as a privileged partner with many countries. NGM oversees Canada’s significant development assistance programming in Latin America and the Caribbean through bilateral and regional programs, as well as support to the Inter-American system of hemispheric institutions.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• United States: Key issues include:
  • upcoming CUSMA review (Janice Charette recently appointed as Chief Trade Negotiator);
  • responding to evolving U.S. tariffs;
  • managing and mitigating transboundary issues;
  • changes to Canada’s diplomatic network in the U.S. (CER reductions across U.S., new consulate in Anchorage, new trade office in Phoenix); and
  • responding as appropriate to U.S. actions or statements on foreign policy issues that engage Canadian interests.
• Venezuela: Venezuela is in an uneasy state of relative calm following the U.S. ouster of Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd and endorsement of Delcy Rodriguez as de facto Acting President. There is no clear roadmap or timeline to elections yet, and despite some positive signs of democratic opening including the release of roughly half of political prisoners and a limited amnesty law, the repressive regime retains day to day control over the country and economy. Canada’s fundamental interests are in stability, including avoiding mass migration and spread of insecurity to the broader region; eventual potential economic opportunities; and long-term strategic positive relations with a regional middle power neighbour with shared goals. These would best be achieved through a Venezuelan-led democratic transition. [Redacted]
• Cuba: Given the deterioration of conditions in Cuba, Canadian interests where high-level engagement may be necessary include:
  • international engagement in the face of a potential humanitarian crisis on Canada’s doorstep;
  • timely delivery of a recently announced $8M package to scale-up food and nutrition programs for vulnerable Cubans; and
  • monitoring and responding to developments associated with the commercial interests of Canadian companies in Cuba.
• Haiti: As a member of the Standing Group of Partners (SGP) which oversees the implementation and operations of the UN-endorsed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), Canada is playing a key role - in close partnership with the U.S. - in planning and designing the mission. High-level engagement may be required to ensure:
  • sound GSF governance, planning and implementation – including sound management of Canadian investments in support of these goals;
  • continued close partnership with the US, which was recognized by Secretary Rubio in a Feb 25 press conference;
  • mobilization of necessary funds from international partners for the GSF and related investments;
  • continued pressure on the Haitian political level to uphold the electoral calendar, with elections anticipated in August 2026; and
  • continued robust investments in security to safeguard Embassy personnel and property to meet the department’s duty of care obligations in the light of high levels of insecurity in Port-au-Prince.
• Brazil: The Prime Minister has indicated that he wishes to visit Brazil in the Spring [Redacted] together with a Canadian business delegation. Planning is underway on the program elements and deliverables. The visit will provide an opportunity to give impetus to conclude free trade negotiations with MERCOSUR countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay).
• Chile: Global Affairs Canada leads bilateral consultations with many countries. Delegations are led at various levels through the department. Canada-Chile bilateral consultations are scheduled to take place in Chile in Spring 2026. In view of Canada’s close bilateral relationship with Chile, as well as Canada being the number source of foreign investment in Chile, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs often leads Canada’s delegation to these consultations. [Redacted]

Indo-Pacific Branch (OGM)

Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister

Weldon was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister on January 16, 2023. Prior to his appointment, from 2019 to 2023, Weldon was the Director General of the Northeast Asia Bureau at Global Affairs Canada.

Abroad, he served in Beijing as second secretary and vice-consul, in Taipei as director of general relations, and in Jakarta as political counsellor for relations with Indonesia, Timor Leste and ASEAN Secretariat. He was the director of the Policy Research Division at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and most recently served as Consul General in Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Branch Mandate

The Indo-Pacific Branch is responsible for advancing Canada’s strategic, economic, and development interests across the region. The Branch consists of four bureaus at headquarters and a network of 40 missions. It has a global footprint of over 500 Canadian employees based at home and abroad and an annual budget of over $400 million in FY2025-26.

The rise of the Indo-Pacific and the profound impacts that the region will have on the lives of all Canadians led to the launch of the Indo-Pacific Strategy in November 2022. Guided by this strategy, the Branch works to strengthen Canada’s presence and influence across the Indo-Pacific through inclusive trade and investment, climate action, economic and security cooperation, and people-to-people ties. As steward of the strategy, the Branch also ensures whole-of-government coherence, including as Secretariat for the whole-of-government DM committees on China and on the Indo-Pacific, as well as lead support for USS engagement on India with other departments and the centre.

The Branch’s core business lines include foreign policy which covers geopolitical flashpoints and efforts to deepen ties with key regional partners. The trade line of business seeks to advance economic growth and diversification through collaboration with reliable trading partners in a way that protects Canadian sovereignty. And the development line of business is rapidly pivoting to align development assistance with trade promotion and diversification efforts, including trade access negotiations and programming that leverages economic growth from investments in reliable partners and rules-based trade.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• China: The Prime Minister’s first official to China in January 2026 - the first leader level visit in 8 years – delivered a newly refocused strategic partnership and a joint Economic and trade Cooperation Roadmap. The Branch is leading coordination and tracking of visit outcome implementation. Guiding Principles:
  • Principled pragmatism: resolve irritants and raise core concerns, while advancing areas of mutual interest where we can;
  • Clear guardrails: safeguard Canada’s national and economic security, communicating where we welcome collaboration, and where we do not;
  • Values-based realism and interest-based coalitions: narrow, strategic cooperation with China when values align; when they diverge, work with partners with common values to advance core interests, e.g. on critical minerals, human rights, arctic, maritime security (South China Sea, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
• India: The Prime Minister’s first official visit to India in February-March 2026 – the first PM-level visit since 2018 – focused on the implementation of the New Roadmap for Canada-India Relations, with ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence.
• Japan: Build on the March 2026 Prime Minister’s visit in Japan and resulting leaders’ Joint Statement to strengthen cooperation on security and defence, economic and energy security, and trade and investment with a strategic, like-minded Indo-Pacific and G7 partner.
• Southeast Asia and Oceania: Key interests include advancing bilateral free trade negotiations with Philippines, Thailand; support bridging between Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and EU; advancing – using international assistance – mutual economic prosperity with focus on Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam; and preparing for possible Prime Minister travel to the region (Fall 2026); incoming leader-level visit from Philippines (timing TBD).
• Indo-Pacific Strategy: Delivering (and updating at MINA’s request) current Strategy and shaping its second phase (2028-33).
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): The Prime Minister participated in last October’s ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. At the Summit, Leaders committed to the conclusion of negotiations on an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) in 2026.
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): Working to obtain consensus endorsement of Canada’s offer to host APEC in 2029 from all APEC member states – hosting will be a major whole-of-government undertaking.

Africa Branch (WGM)

Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister

Cheryl is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan‑Geographic Affairs branches. Prior to this, she was Director General for Economic Development, leading the department’s engagement with international financial institutions; Director General of South America and Inter-American Affairs; Director General of Corporate Planning, Performance and Risk Management; Program Director, Southeast Asia; and Policy Director with the Afghanistan Task Force, which included field assignments in Kabul and Kandahar.

Before joining Global Affairs Canada, Ms. Urban worked for seven years at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada where she led federal-provincial/territorial-Indigenous negotiations related to education and as a researcher at Sussex Circle Management Consulting firm in Toronto. She holds an Honours B.A. in Philosophy from McGill University and an M.A.in East Asian Studies from the University of Toronto.

Branch Mandate

The Africa Branch advances Canada’s strategic economic and security interests in Africa through an integrated approach to foreign policy, trade, and international assistance. It is the main interface for managing Canada’s relations with bilateral and regional partners in Africa, including the African Union (AU). The Branch consists of three Bureaus at HQ and a network of 26 missions (totaling 1055 full‑time employees), covering 53 of the 54 African countries (except Egypt).

Working closely with Canadian missions abroad, the African diplomatic corps, domestic and international partners, and other government departments, the Branch provides strategic policy direction and ensures that Canada's engagement in Africa supports deeper bilateral and regional economic cooperation, in line with the Prime Minister’s commitment to diversifying partnerships across regions. The Branch manages GAC’s largest bilateral portfolio of grants and contributions with 22 bilateral development programs (including 2 regional programs: Pan-Africa and Sahel), representing over than 250 operational projects and valued at approximatively $609 million, responding to significant poverty levels (nearly 60%), inequality and food insecurity (85%) across the continent.

The Branch leads on the implementation of Canada's Africa Strategy (March 2025), which aims to increase trade and investment ties with African partners, reinforce peace and security partnerships, enhance engagement with African diaspora communities in Canada, and support international assistance that will be increasingly focused on economic development. This includes the planned upgrading of two missions and the appointment in 2025 of Special Envoys to Africa and the Sahel.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Implementation of the Africa Strategy: Deputy minister engagement will help advance Strategy deliverables, including the rollout of pilot development-trade models [Redacted] These pilots align trade tools, development programming, advocacy and concessional instruments (e.g. loans with favorable terms) to unlock transactions, and are paired with in‑Canada private‑sector outreach. Engagement will also be essential to aligning related intra-departmental mandates and tools.
• Increasing economic cooperation: WGM is strengthening partnerships to expand Canada’s commercial opportunities in high‑growth African markets that match Canadian capabilities. Deputies’ engagement will be needed to support Canada’s participation in the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon (March 26–29) and related bilateral ministerial outreach. Engagement with the Deputies will also be sought to advance planning for the first Africa trade mission under the Africa Strategy, building on Canada’s participation at WTO. In parallel, WGM is rolling out the Africa Trade and Development Nexus Program to align international assistance with trade‑diversification objectives and reinforce Canada’s commercial footprint, drawing on tools available to GAC, FinDev Canada, EDC, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation.
• Support Canada’s bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in 2028: Canada is seeking to host the 2028 Sommet de la Francophonie. [Redacted]
• Peace and Security Hotspots: Instability in Sudan, Great Lakes, and the Sahel are driving major humanitarian needs, shrinking political space, and affecting Canadian interests and assets.
• Key Bilateral and Multilateral Issues: [Redacted] Deputy Minister support will be required as Canada continues to strengthen its presence in Benin and Zambia in line with the Africa Strategy, including their transitions to full embassies. [Redacted]  

Pan-geographic Affairs Branch (GFM)

Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister

Cheryl is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs branches. Prior to this, she was Director General for Economic Development, leading the department’s engagement with international financial institutions. Ms. Urban was also Director General of South America and Inter-American Affairs, the Director General of Corporate Planning, Performance and Risk Management; Program Director, Southeast Asia; and Policy Director with the Afghanistan Task Force, which included field assignments in Kabul and Kandahar.

Before joining Global Affairs Canada, Ms. Urban worked for seven years at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada where she led federal-provincial/territorial-Indigenous negotiations related to education. Before joining the Government of Canada, she worked as a researcher at Sussex Circle Management Consulting firm in Toronto. She holds an Honours B.A. in Philosophy from McGill University and an M.A.in East Asian Studies from the University of Toronto.

Branch Mandate

Established in August 2024, the PanGeographic Affairs Branch (GFM) strengthens the agility and coherence of the department’s four geographic branches, enabling them to respond quickly to evolving priorities and pressures. It also serves as a clear, centralized, and critical single point of contact for deputies and the wider department. GFM provides geographic branches with a broad suite of high quality operational, policy and programming services including strategic planning and reporting; ATIP coordination; surge and human-resource support; data services; bilateral international assistance planning and delivery; migration engagement; advocacy; public diplomacy; and education relations & programming.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Bilateral International Assistance: Work is required to re-base (e.g. reset and realign) the international assistance budget for the geographic branches in order to reflect the intended pivot (e.g. shift in direction) in Canadian international assistance, refocus spending [Redacted] achieve the savings required under the Comprehensive Expenditure Review, and address emerging financial pressures. This re-basing will allow geographic branches to plan their international assistance investments for the coming fiscal year.
• The Global Heads of Mission Meeting (GHOMM): A Global Heads of Mission Meeting will take place in Ottawa [Redacted] This meeting presents a strategic opportunity for Canada to prepare its top representatives abroad to reinforce how our missions abroad deliver on the Prime Minister’s seven missions in the context of growing global instability and threats to Canada’s economic sovereignty and security, and to highlight important changes in governmental operations.

People and Corporate Management Branch (SCM-HCM)

Shirley Carruthers, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, People and Corporate Management and Chief Financial Officer (SCM)

Shirley oversees the department’s corporate management functions, including financial stewardship, integrated planning, performance and risk oversight, procurement, domestic real property and accommodations, asset management, and grants and contributions, supporting the department’s transformation and operational priorities.

Prior to her current role, she served as Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer at Natural Resources Canada and previously held senior leadership positions at Global Affairs Canada, including Director General of the Financial Planning and Management Bureau and Deputy Chief Financial Officer.

Shirley holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Antoine Chevrier, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, People and Corporate Management and Chief Human Resources Officer (HCM)

Antoine has been serving as Chief Transformation since 2023, and as Chief Human Resources Officer since 2025. Prior to this, he was Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa from March 2022.

Earlier in his career, Antoine served as Director General for Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada and as Assistant Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Privy Council Office. He was also Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Representative to the African Union 2018-2020, High Commissioner to Mozambique, Malawi and Eswatini 2016-2018, and Director of the Development Program at the Embassy to Peru and Bolivia 2009-2013. He began his career with the Canadian International Development Agency in 1997.

Antoine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Laval University.

Branch Mandate

The People and Corporate Management Branch (SCM-HCM) integrates corporate management with people and talent functions to support planning, stewardship, and service delivery across Global Affairs Canada. 

The branch is responsible for corporate planning, performance and risk management, and the stewardship of financial resources, systems, and operations. This includes financial planning and management, grants and contributions, procurement, accommodations, material management for domestic operations, as well as leadership on international procurement.

SCM-HCM leads people and talent management, including workforce planning, human resources policies and programs, modernization of HR tools and processes, learning, career development, assignments, support for employees abroad, well‑being, and values and ethics—ensuring people management aligns with departmental priorities.

The branch recently assumed responsibility for major international events with the addition of the Summits Management Office (DSMX), strengthening coordination and efficiency for the planning and delivery of multilateral events.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Pending Decisions:
  • Comprehensive Expenditure Review: The department must submit updated options to central agencies as part of the ongoing exercise. A memorandum seeking the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ approval on the revised Vote 1 options is currently with the Minister. For Vote 10, discussions are ongoing to identify the revised options.
  • Buy Canada Policy: Pending the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ decision on the proposed approach to applying the Buy Canada Policy to GAC grants and contributions under the Foreign Affairs pillar.
  • 2026 Head of Mission (HOM) assignments: The nomination process is underway; Minister of Foreign Affairs approval has been granted for some nominees, while the Prime Minister’s approval remains outstanding.
• Comprehensive Expenditure Review: The non-EX Voluntary Departure Program is underway (January 22–March 31, extension possible). Significant uptake is anticipated as part of the broader Workforce Adjustment exercise, and deputy head approval of final acceptance volumes and associated financial implications will be required.
• Sub-delegation instruments: Upon appointment, the Deputy Minister must approve and sign the sub‑delegation instruments and the letter of sub‑delegation of appointment authorities to enable managers to exercise appointment authorities.
• Increase in-office presence: Employees will be required to work 4-‑5 days/week on site (May for executives and June for non-executives). Full implementation is not feasible until 2028 due to renovations at 125 Sussex and 200 Portage. Options are being prepared for deputy ministers’ consideration.
• 125 Sussex – Tower A Renovation: Decisions will be needed on the scope and magnitude of Tower A renovations (2028 and 2032). Tower A houses Ministers, deputy ministers, and key security/protocol functions. Public Services and Procurement Canada proposed a partial renovation ($45 million - $100 million), but GAC must add operational/security elements at its own cost.
• Hosting Francophonie 2028 and APEC 2029: Following the Prime Minister’s announcements, early whole‑of‑government planning is required. Deputy-minister engagement with key departments and agencies will be necessary in the coming weeks to consider initial operational requirements and governance models.
• GAC Values and Ethics Code and Code of Conduct: The Global Affairs Canada Values and Ethics Code is being modernized to be more inclusive, clear, and applicable to all employees, strengthening ethical culture and day-to-day accountability. Implementation targeted for mid-2026.

International Platform Branch (ACM)

Stéphane Cousineau, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Platform Branch and Chief Digital and Service Officer (CDSO)

Stéphane Cousineau serves as the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Digital and Service Officer and leads the International Platform Branch. He has advanced major organizational and digital transformation initiatives, including modernizing Human Resources (HCM).

Before joining GAC, Stéphane spent nearly four years as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Services at Shared Services Canada, contributing to government‑wide digital infrastructure renewal and enterprise service modernization. Previously, he served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Management Services and Chief Financial Officer at the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.

He has held senior positions including Chief Information Officer at Passport Canada, Elections Canada, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as Director General of the Project Management Bureau at Passport Canada.

Stéphane holds an MBA from Queen’s University.

Robin Dubeau, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Platform Branch and Deputy Chief Digital and Service Officer

Robin joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1996, and has held roles in consular services in Côte d'Ivoire, Guatemala, and Mexico.

At headquarters, Robin worked as Chief Security Officer in the Mission Security and Emergency Management Bureau and as Acting Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for the International Platform Branch.

He has also led teams in business management, finance, and security at organizations such as Shared Services Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Robin has a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance).

Branch Mandate

The International Platform Branch (ACM) enables Canada’s global presence by delivering integrated real property services, infrastructure, and digital solutions in support of Global Affairs Canada, partners, and diplomatic missions worldwide. ACM leads departmental digital transformation, service delivery, data governance, cybersecurity, and infrastructure technology, driving innovation, resilience, and efficiency in alignment with the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Policy on Service and Digital.

Operating under the Chief Digital and Service Officer model, the branch has a streamlined structure of six bureaus:

1. Platform Oversight and Engagement and Chief Service, Strategy and Architecture;
2. Client Relations and Mission Operations;
3. Policy, Investment and Planning;
4. Data, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Solutions;
5. Operations and Cyber Security; and
6. Project Delivery and Professional Services.

Together, these bureaus provide end‑to‑end oversight, planning, delivery, and continuous improvement across real property, digital platforms, and mission operations.

Through high‑quality, agile, and secure services, the branch supports 182 missions abroad in 112 countries, ensuring a modern, reliable, and resilient international platform that supports whole‑of‑government operations and advances Canada’s international objectives.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Comprehensive Expenditure Review implementation: ACM is leading and supporting several key elements of the department’s implementation of Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) decisions as they relate to IT, real property, common services and mission operations. Deputy minister engagement is expected for key decision points related to sequencing, risk mitigation, and communications, particularly where impacts on missions or enterprise services are significant. This includes DM engagement on increasing the number of international colocation arrangements with partners, which provide operational, financial, and diplomatic benefits, and were highlighted in Budget 2025.
• Major chancery projects: A number of major chancery projects are under way including Mexico[Redacted] Beirut and Colombo.
• GAC Digital Direction: The department’s digital strategy for the next three years supports GAC Transformation by aligning and prioritizing digital investments, enabling its workforce, strengthening security, skills and data, and ensuring that it focuses efforts on what matters.
  • AI Strategy: GAC’s AI Strategy establishes a department‑wide, responsible approach to using artificial intelligence to improve productivity, decision‑making, and program delivery across diplomacy, trade, consular services, and international assistance. The strategy emphasizes the need for sustained executive leadership, support for managed risk‑taking and innovation, clear enterprise prioritization, and aligned funding. While there are no immediate elements requiring DM engagement, DM support is essential for success.

Office of the Well-being Ombud and Inspector General (ZID)

Ayesha Rekhi, Well-being Ombud and Inspector General

Ayesha assumed the role of Global Affairs Canada’s Well-being Ombud and Inspector General in 2023.

Ayesha was Canada’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic (2019- 2023). Overseas, she namely served as counsellor for political and economic affairs and permanent observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok (2016-2019), and at Canada’s Embassy to Vietnam (2012-15). She also served at the High Commission to India in New Delhi (2005-2009). At headquarters, Ayesha namely served in the Southeast Asia and Oceania Division and, previously, as an adviser on peacebuilding and human security issues. Ayesha holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University, a Master’s of Science in development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from McGill University.

Special Bureau Mandate

The Office of the Well‑being Ombud and Inspector General (ZID) supports a psychologically healthy, respectful, and high‑performing workplace across GAC by offering confidential, impartial, and independent support, while also strengthening organizational effectiveness through system‑level insights. The ombud function provides an informal, safe, and judgment‑free space for employees and managers to speak up, explore options, and navigate workplace challenges.

The inspection function complements this role by examining leadership, governance, management practices, and workplace dynamics across GAC’s mission network. Through mission inspections (onsite, virtual and hybrid) and annual e‑inspections, ZID identifies strengths, systemic issues, and areas requiring improvement. 10-15 inspections occur annually, and approximately half the mission network is e‑inspected each year. Findings inform senior management and contribute to improved efficiencies, accountability, and psychological safety.

ZID provides Ombud Services, Informal Conflict Management Systems and Employee Assistance Program and administers the GAC Check‑In Survey. It collects data and analyzes departmental trends—including concerns raised through its services, their usage, and survey results—to provide aggregated insights on the state of management effectiveness, well‑being and psychological safety at GAC. Regular briefings and an annual ombud report to Deputies highlight emerging risks, cross‑cutting issues, and opportunities for organizational learning and improvement.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Post-CER Workforce Recovery & Support: ZID is transitioning from an extended‑hours CER posture and on‑site presence at 111 Sussex, 125 Sussex, and 200 Promenade du Portage to a phase II sustained workforce‑recovery engagement model that includes targeted workshops, listening circles, peer‑support groups, and tailored sessions for executives and affected teams and specifically for the mission network. Briefings for Deputy Ministers on trends will continue including on their engagement with priority audiences, key messages and resourcing.
• GAC Check-In Survey Stewardship: The all‑employee Check‑In Survey—launched by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and administered by ZID since fall 2025—is delivered three times per year to provide real‑time insights on well‑being and leadership effectiveness. Deputy ministers are briefed on findings, set direction on messaging, and assign follow‑up actions with clear accountabilities.
• 2026/27 Mission Inspection & e-Inspection Planning: ZID will finalize the FY26/27 Mission Inspection Plan using a risk-based approach, including using recent e‑inspection results, time lapsed since last inspection, HOM requests, and senior management priorities. Deputy ministers review emerging risks, provide direction on prioritization, and identify missions or themes requiring targeted attention.
• Championing Organizational Well-being: ZID remains GAC’s subject matter expert on psychological health and team effectiveness particularly important during this period of transition, providing tailored support to employees and managers, through its integrated well‑being and conflict‑resolution services. Sustained deputy minister support is essential to maintain and strengthen this role, including ongoing endorsement of ZID’s mandate and continued reinforcement of the importance of ZID services.

Office of the Chief Audit Executive and Special Investigations (VBD)

Natalie Lalonde, Chief Audit Executive

Natalie is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with a strong academic foundation in business and economics. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, as well as a Bachelor of Social Sciences specializing in Economics. In addition to her professional practice, Natalie supports the advancement of the internal audit profession in Canada through her service on the Canadian Advisory Committee of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

Natalie embraces lifelong learning as a daily discipline. She believes growth requires curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to evolve—empowering individuals and teams to continuously improve and reach their full potential.

Special Bureau Mandate

The Office of the Chief Audit Executive and Special Investigations (VBD) is responsible for the department’s internal audit and special investigations functions.

The internal audit function offers several services, including assurance, advisory, and large transformation project engagements. Through this mandate, VBD supports the department in achieving its strategic, operational, financial, and compliance objectives by:

1. delivering independent and objective advice to senior management and oversight bodies;
2. providing assurance on the department’s governance, risk management, and internal control processes, and
3. offering insight, recommendations and information for decision making to enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

The special investigation function include: 

• investigating losses of public funds and Crown property, detecting potential fraud and other financial misconducts resulting in the loss of public funds or Crown property and preventing potential fraud by making recommendations to senior management and delivering awareness training to GAC employees. 
• overseeing the internal disclosure process, which consist in receiving and reviewing disclosures from GAC employees, and providing advice, guidance and undertaking investigations in accordance with the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA). The PSDPA provides federal public sector employees and others a confidential process for disclosing wrongdoing in the workplace, as well as protection from acts of reprisal.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Internal audit publication (external): As required by the Treasury Board Secretariat, approved internal audits must be published externally. Accordingly, two recently approved audits—the Audit of the Armoured Vehicle Program and the Audit of Real Property—will be published in March 2026.
• Departmental Audit Committee membership: The Departmental Audit Committee (DAC) is an advisory body, independent of management, that provides objective advice to the Deputy Ministers on risk management, control, and governance. It consists of four external members, and three ex officio deputy minister–level members. VBD is currently working with Treasury Board Secretariat to appoint a replacement for a member whose term is set to expire in April. Before March 6, 2026, GAC’s deputy head is required to sign a declaration form to co‑recommend, with the Comptroller General of Canada, the proposed appointee.
• Departmental Audit Committee meetings: There are two upcoming all-day DAC meetings (March 6th and May 6th). All GAC deputy ministers are asked to attend in their capacity as ex-officio members of the committee. Each meeting includes an in-camera session for the deputy ministers with the external members.
• Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act investigations: The Senior Officer for Internal Disclosure will provide determination on two PSDPA investigations. Should any of the investigations be founded, it is expected that they be made public within 60 days.
• External Investigation: The Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada is an independent federal body responsible for administering the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act. The Office investigates allegations of wrongdoing within the federal public sector and safeguards whistleblowers from reprisal—including individuals who make protected disclosures and those who participate in related investigations. Currently, GAC is aware of five investigations underway, with one additional case pending before the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal.

Justice Special Bureau (JUS)

Jolene Harvey, Director General, Justice Special Bureau

Jolene is the Executive Director and Senior General Counsel in the Department of Justice’s Global Affairs Canada Legal Services Unit (JUS) co-located with Global Affairs Canada (GAC). She joined JUS in October 2024.

Prior to joining JUS, Jolene served as Deputy Assistant Deputy Minister and Executive Director, Privy Council Office (PCO) Legal Services Sector from 2022 to 2024. Since 2014, she held Department of Justice (Justice) leadership positions in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Legal Services Unit and the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Section. Earlier in her career, Jolene was seconded to GAC as a Legal Officer in the Criminal, Security and Diplomatic Law Division (JLA). She began her legal career with the American law firm Shearman & Sterling in London, United Kingdom and New York.

Jolene holds a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School and a post-graduate diploma in International Criminal Justice from the University of London. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and is admitted as an Attorney in the State of New York.

Special Bureau Mandate

JUS provides general legal advisory services to GAC under the Department of Justice Act. JUS has a broad domestic legal practice that includes corporate, commercial, and real property matters; consular, security and emergency management; labour and employment matters for locally engaged staff at Missions abroad and Governor in Council (GIC) appointed Heads of Mission; national security law; and sanctions. JUS’s legal advisory work covers policy and program development, operations, and litigation support in civil and criminal matters. It also provides legal advice to the Invest in Canada Hub, the Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, and is the Federal Central Authority for the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The team also regularly draws on broader Justice expertise, particularly on multi-departmental matters. JUS collaborates closely with GAC’s legal advisors in the GAC International Law Bureau (JLD) and the Trade Law Bureau (JLT).

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

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Transformation Team (DMFT)

Antoine Chevrier, Chief Transformation Officer and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister

Antoine has been serving as Chief Transformation since 2023, and as Human Resources Officer since 2025. Prior to this, he was Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa from March 2022. Prior to this, he was Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa from March 2022.

Earlier in his career, Antoine served as Director General for Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada and as Assistant Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Privy Council Office. He was also Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Representative to the African Union (2018 –2020), High Commissioner to Mozambique, Malawi and Eswatini (2016-2018) and Director of the Development Program at the Embassy to Peru and Bolivia (2009-2013). He began his career with the Canadian International Development Agency in 1997.

Antoine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Laval University.

Special Bureau Mandate

Guided by the Future of Diplomacy discussion paper published in June 2023 and further reinforced by reports from the Senate and the House of Commons, GAC has undertaken its transformation agenda to ensure that it is well equipped to serve Canadians in meeting the global challenges of today and of the future. The three-year Transformation Implementation Plan (2023-26) is organized along five key pillars:

• Our organizational culture: Strengthening our foundation.
• Our people: Becoming an employer of choice, in Canada and abroad.
• Our global presence: Increasing our influence and engagement where it matters most.
• Our policy: Leveraging our strengths to advance Canada’s national interests.
• Our processes and tools: Building a high-performing organization.

The Transformation Team (DMFT) is led by the Chief Transformation Officer, Antoine Chevrier. DMFT provides strategic leadership and support to ensure that departmental transformation activities are aligned, coordinated, and impactful. It is responsible for driving the change process within GAC, to help break down silos, modernize processes, invest in people and culture, and enhance the tools and systems needed to deliver on Canada’s international priorities.

DMFT also leads and incubates several transformation initiatives, some of which have transitioned (or in the process of transitioning) to their long-term owners. These include:

• Developing and publishing a North Star statement setting out our common purpose and commitment to key values and principles.
• Leading the modernization of the organizational structure for core business lines and the renewal of the department’s corporate governance model.
• Developing and launching a GAC Dissent Channel to allow employees to express views on departmental advice, recommendations and policy decisions regarding GAC’s core mandate: foreign policy, international law, international trade and commerce, international assistance, consular services, and Canada’s missions abroad.
• Launching a department-wide Agility Roster to provide surge capacity to respond to crises and pressures and a Crisis Playbook to support teams managing complex geopolitical crises.
• Accelerating the implementation of the department’s Action Plan on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
• Strengthening the strategic role of Heads of Mission to set unified mission priorities, integrate all Government of Canada activities in-country, and exercise greater decision-making power over resources and staffing for their countries of accreditation.
• Better aligning foreign policy, trade, and development priorities by piloting Integrated Country Frameworks, that treat the country as the unit of account.
• Reducing bureaucratic processes and gaining efficiencies through Red Tape Reduction and AI adaptation and enablement initiatives.

Priority Files and Issues Expected to Require DM Engagement in First 90 days

• Transformation wrap-up: DMFT has a three-year Transformation mandate and will sunset in August 2026. As part of its assessment of transformation impacts, DMFT will be undertaking a series of engagement activities, including interviews with initiative leads, targeted employee focus groups, and a Transformation Expo in June, culminating in a final Transformation Report in August. Deputy minister-level engagement will be required to provide continued leadership and oversight for the close‑out of the Transformation mandate, ensuring key initiatives are delivered and sustained and outcomes are clearly communicated to staff.