David McGovern worked in the federal public service for 35 years in a range of senior roles in environment and climate change, economic and social development, international and national security. His final position before his retirement in 2021 was as the first President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
David was Associate Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada having joined the department in 2017.
He was the Deputy National Security Advisor to two Prime Ministers from 2015 until 2017. His first deputy position was in 2014 with the Privy Council Office as Senior Advisor responsible for implementing the Border Action Plan and Chair of the joint Canada/US Regulatory Cooperation Council.
He was the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy and Research at Employment and Social Development Canada from 2011. David was a participant in the 2012 cohort of the Government of Canada's Advanced Leadership Program.
From 2005 until 2011, David was the Assistant Deputy Minister of the International Affairs at Environment Canada. From 2003 until 2005, he reported to the Secretary of the Treasury Board on several key horizontal files and led a series of horizontal and vertical expenditure management reviews.
David also held executive positions in several other federal departments including the former department of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and Transport Canada.
He is a graduate from McGill University and has a Master of Science degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Career highlights
- First President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
- Associate Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
- Deputy National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister
Credentials
- Graduate from McGill University
- Master of Science degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science
