Michael Wernick — author of Governing Canada: A Guide to the Tradecraft of Politics and former Clerk of the Privy Council—brings decades of unparalleled experience in navigating complexity and leading through uncertainty.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, strong leadership and strategic foresight are essential. As a former Deputy Head and Clerk of the Privy Council, Michael will share his expertise and practical advice on navigating through transition while continuing to deliver service to Canadians in a period of continued fiscal restraint.

Host
Leah Carson, Partner, Deal Advisory, Global Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Canada

Moderators
Sueling Ching, President and CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade
Jérémie Emond, President, Real Property Institute of Canada

Keynote Speaker
Michael Wernick, Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management, University of Ottawa and Senior Advisor, MNP Digital, and former Clerk of the Privy Council

Michael Wernick’s distinguished 38-year career as one of the key leaders of Canada’s federal public service culminated in serving from 2016 to 2019 as the 23rd Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet.

With 28 years as an executive in the federal public service, including 17 years in the community of Deputy Ministers, and three as Clerk, Michael is one of Canada’s most experienced and influential public sector leaders.

In October 2021 UBC Press released Wernick’s book “Governing Canada: A Guide to the Tradecraft of Politics” – a practical handbook for politicians and those who want to understand them.

As the Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management at the University of Ottawa, and Senior Strategic Advisor at MNP Digital, Michael now provides advisory services and mentorship to emerging leaders and to new generations of students. His articles, interviews and podcasts appear in a number of publications.

Our sincere thanks to Michael for his time and to the Ottawa Board of Trade and KPMG for co-hosting the session with RPIC.