The man who rose from humble beginnings in Edam to become clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the Cabinet has departed that office.
Wayne Wouters announced his retirement from that position last week. He had held that position since 2009.
Wouters confirmed that news on his Twitter feed dated Aug. 20. His Tweet read: "After nearly 37 yrs, I'm retiring from public service. It's been a true honour & privilege to serve as Clerk. Tks for everything!"
Shortly afterwards, it was announced that Janice Charette would take over as the new clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet.
The announcement wraps up a long and distinguished career for Wouters, who was born at Edam and grew up on the family farm not far from there.
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a master's degree in economics from Queen's University, Wouters began his career as a lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan before starting his career in the public sector in 1977 with the provincial government. He eventually rose to the position of director, Energy Policy Branch, Department of Mineral Resources (Saskatchewan).
He joined the federal public service in 1982 as director of Industry Analysis with the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources as the director of Industry Analysis.
His later positions included deputy director general, Project and Fiscal Analysis in 1986; director general, Financial and Market Analysis; general director of the Economic Development Policy Branch of the Department of Finance; head of a federal task force on the Newfoundland Economy; assistant secretary to the cabinet (program review); deputy secretary to the cabinet (plans and consultation); deputy minister of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans; deputy minister of Human Resources Development Canada; deputy minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada; secretary of the Treasury Board; and finally clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet.
Through it all Wouters credited his upbringing in Edam for instilling in him the values that inspired him to a career in the public service. In an interview with the News-Optimist in 2009, Wouters said "no matter where I live in Canada or in the world, that's where I'm from - I'm from Saskatchewan and I'm from Edam, Saskatchewan."
In recent years Wouters has been on the receiving end of a number of honours, including from the University of Saskatchewan who granted him an honourary Doctor of Laws degree in 2012.
Outside of government, Wouters is active on the United Way Ottawa board, where he previously chaired their community campaign in 2007. He was honoured as their volunteer of the year in 2012, and in 2013, Wouters received the prestigious Andre Mailhot award from United Way Centraide Canada.
According to their news release, the United Way recognized Wouters for "setting an inspiring example of what it means to serve Canadians with integrity and vision," adding that "despite the demanding and unpredictable schedule of the country's most senior public servant, Wouters is also an active voice and a strong presence in the Ottawa community."
