DM/CDS Announcement: Focusing on our Defence Priorities – Structural Changes to Support Readiness

February 20, 2025 - Defence Stories

The entire Defence Team plays a role in supporting readiness and delivering on results for Canadians. With recent investments to advance the ambitious defence agenda and related priorities, your leadership team is looking at ways to adjust how we work and how we are organized so that we are positioned for success. Today, we are announcing upcoming organizational and leadership changes so that we are well positioned to deliver on our core mandate – to protect and defend Canada and Canadians.

Integration of Access to Information and Privacy within Public Affairs (PA)

To more effectively align organizations that deliver information services to Canadians on behalf of the Defence Team, the Directorate of Access to Information and Privacy (DAIP) will be integrated within ADM(PA).

This change will sustain the Defence Team’s ability to manage and respond to information requests effectively and strengthen DAIP’s ability to reinforce legislative requirements, while advancing a streamlined approach to transparency and accountability. Shannon Clark Larkin, currently Executive Director, National Security and Intelligence Review and Oversight Coordination Secretariat (NSIROCS) will become DAIP’s new Executive Director. In addition to her role as ADM(PA), Geneviève Binet also becomes the Chief Privacy Officer.

Integration of National Security and Intelligence Review and Oversight Coordination Secretariat (NSIROCS) within Review Services (RS)

NSIROCS was stood up in 2018 to support the Defence Team’s compliance with new legislation associated with national security and intelligence external reviews. As the mandate of NSIROCS has evolved and it has become an integral part of Defence Team business, the team will be integrated within ADM(RS). This will allow the NSIROCS team to continue to provide a high-level of coordination and support to internal and external stakeholders, while maintaining independence and objectivity. It will also provide opportunities to enhance our ability to meet legislative requirements for national security and intelligence external reviews. Marta Mulkins, currently Executive Director, Departmental Regulatory and Litigation Oversight (DRLO), will become NSIROCS’ new Executive Director.

Integration of the Departmental Regulatory and Litigation Oversight (DRLO) within the Corporate Secretariat

DRLO expanded its mandate to include a focus on regulatory affairs. This expansion complements the existing responsibilities within the Corporate Secretariat, which encompass governance and oversight of corporate management policies. Integrating DRLO into the Corporate Secretariat will enhance visibility, engagement, and alignment with Defence governance, and will facilitate comprehensive oversight of regulatory activities across the Defence Team. Anne Bank, currently Executive Director of DAIP, will become DRLO’s Executive Director.

Timing

The leadership changes will take effect on February 27, 2025, and the organizational changes will take place on April 1, 2025.

Our people

People are at the centre of everything we do in the Defence Team. The new leadership for these teams will work closely with ADM(PA), ADM(RS), and the Corporate Secretary to navigate the transition as smoothly as possible and support all involved employees.

We would like to thank the leaders who have agreed to take on these new roles and recognize their efforts in their previous portfolios. We are looking forward with renewed energy, and we know that the Defence Team will support these movements with optimism.