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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Ottawa's adults are rejoicing at the announcement of Michael Sabia as Clerk of the Privy Council. Can he actually live up to expectations? (The Line)


On June 11, Prime Minister Mark Carney, he the head of Canada’s self-proclaimed “new government,” appointed a new head of the public service.

The lucky individual is a man named Michael Sabia, who, like Carney, has an admirable resume of serious accomplishment. As with political leaders, heads of the federal public service can be transformational or transactional. Like his boss, and unlike his predecessor, Sabia likely aims to be transformational.

It is important to understand why the Clerk of the Privy Council is such an important position. Vested in this role are three distinct — not always complementary — roles.

Head of the public service is the first, where the clerk’s task is to lead the legion of bureaucrats to enact the government’s agenda and serve Canadians. Secretary to the cabinet is the second, and original, role. The clerk — in consultation with the prime minister — sets the agenda for cabinet, shepherds policy proposals through the system, and records decisions. The third is deputy minister, and most senior advisor, to the prime minister. Few people can excel at all three. Sabia, I suspect, is being asked to be especially good at the last two ...

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