THE DEPUTY MINISTER’S ROLE IN THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA: HIS RESPONSIBILITY AND HIS ACCOUNTABILITY

This report deals with the evolution of the deputy minister’s role, particularly over the past 40 years, a period marked by growth and modernization in the Canadian government and public service. It will address four subjects: the evolution of the status of the deputy minister, the career leading up to the position and entry into the deputy minister group, horizontal management and development of the deputy minister community, and finally the responsibility and accountability of deputy ministers to the Prime Minister, the Minister, the Clerk and the central agencies. 253 The first part will explain where the deputy minister is situated in the ministerial hierarchy, and what his responsibilities, functions, powers and obligations are. It will then describe the appointment process, tenure and the implications of this status in the so-called Whitehall model (application to the executive of the so-called Westminster model).Thi