Defence Team Organizational Changes Aim to Improve Efficiency and Enhance Transparency

Above image: Left, Deputy Minister Stefanie Beck and right, Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan.

Canada’s Defence Team is undergoing significant leadership and organizational changes aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing transparency.

The new changes were announced by Deputy Minister Stefanie Beck and Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan in a statement released in February.

With recent investments in Canada’s defence capabilities, the changes are designed to streamline operations and better position the Defence Team to fulfill its core mandate of protecting Canada.

“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,” read the announcement.

Restructuring Information Services

One of the more significant changes outlined is the integration of the Directorate of Access to Information and Privacy within the Assistant Deputy Minister of Public Affairs.

“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,” said Beck and Carignan in the statement.

As part of this shift, Shannon Clark Larkin has been appointed DAIP’s new Executive Director. Additionally, Geneviève Binet, ADM(PA), will assume the role of Chief Privacy Officer.

Enhancing National Security and Intelligence Oversight

The National Security and Intelligence Review and Oversight Coordination Secretariat (NSIROCS), established in 2018, will now be integrated within the Assistant Deputy Minister of Review Services (ADM(RS)). This move reflects NSIROCS’ growing role in ensuring compliance with evolving national security legislation.

By embedding NSIROCS within ADM(RS), the Defence Team aims to maintain its independence and objectivity while improving coordination with internal and external stakeholders. The announcement noted Marta Mulkins has been appointed NSIROCS’ new executive director.

Strengthening Regulatory Oversight

To enhance governance and corporate policy oversight, the Departmental Regulatory Affairs and Litigation Oversight (DRLO) will now operate under the Corporate Secretariat. This integration is expected to improve visibility, engagement, and alignment with Defence governance structures.

Anne Bank, previously executive director of DAIP, will now lead DRLO as its new Executive Director.

Commitment to a Smooth Transition

The announced leadership appointments took effect on February 27, 2025, with the intention of fully implementing the organizational restructuring by April 1, 2025.

Defence officials emphasized that these changes will strengthen operational effectiveness while ensuring a smooth transition for all personnel involved.

The new leadership team will work closely with ADM(PA), ADM(RS), and the Corporate Secretary to support affected 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,” Beck and Carignan stated. “We are looking forward with renewed energy, and we know that the Defence Team will support these movements with optimism.”