Canada’s federal government has announced the upcoming appointment of a new Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, marking an important leadership change within the country’s immigration system.
The announcement was made on March 4, 2026, by the office of Prime Minister Mark Carney, with the appointment expected to take effect in the coming weeks.
👤 Who Will Become Canada’s New Deputy Immigration Minister?
The government has selected Ted Gallivan for the role. He currently serves as interim deputy national security and intelligence advisor to the prime minister and brings extensive experience in Canadian public administration.
Gallivan has worked across several key federal agencies and departments, including leadership roles at:
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Executive Vice-President since 2021
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Various compliance and operational roles
- Office of the Prime Minister – Interim national security and intelligence advisor
His career in the Canadian public service dates back to 2005, when he began working with the CRA as director of internal audit for tax operations.
🔁 Who Is He Replacing?
Gallivan will replace Harpreet S. Kochhar, who has served as Deputy Minister of Immigration since January 2024.
Before becoming deputy minister, Kochhar held several senior roles at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including Assistant Deputy Minister of Operations between 2017 and 2020.
During his time at IRCC, Kochhar worked under several immigration ministers, including:
- Ahmed Hussen
- Marco Mendicino
- Marc Miller
- Lena Metlege Diab
🏛 What Does a Deputy Minister of Immigration Do?
In Canada’s federal government, deputy ministers play a crucial role in managing government departments and advising ministers on policy and operations.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Advising the immigration minister on policy, legislation, and operations
- Managing departmental programs and administrative operations
- Coordinating with other federal departments and agencies
- Reporting directly to the immigration minister and, in some cases, to the prime minister
Unlike cabinet ministers who are elected politicians, deputy ministers are senior public servants who provide continuity and expertise across different governments.
📌 Why This Appointment Matters
Leadership changes at IRCC can influence how Canada manages key immigration programs, including:
- Express Entry and economic immigration programs
- Temporary resident programs (study and work permits)
- Refugee and humanitarian initiatives
- Immigration system modernization and processing improvements
The deputy minister works closely with the immigration minister to implement federal immigration priorities and ensure Canada’s immigration system operates efficiently.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The appointment of Ted Gallivan as Canada’s new Deputy Minister of Immigration signals a leadership transition at one of the country’s most important federal departments. With extensive experience in border services, taxation, and national security policy, Gallivan will now help guide the operations of IRCC as Canada continues to rely heavily on immigration to support economic growth and population expansion.
