Canada Appoints New Immigration Deputy Minister Amid Provincial Tensions
The Canadian government has named Ted Gallivan as the new deputy minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship. He will replace Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, who took on the role in January 2024. The appointment comes at a time of growing tensions between federal and provincial authorities over immigration policies in Canada.
Gallivan's experience in operations and compliance—particularly at the Canada Revenue Agency—will be key as he steps into the position in the coming weeks.
Ted Gallivan has worked in the Canadian public service since 2005, holding senior roles at the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency. More recently, he served as the interim deputy national security and intelligence advisor to the prime minister. His background in directing large-scale operations and policy compliance aligns with the challenges currently facing Canada's immigration system.
The federal government's decision follows rising disputes with provinces over immigration control in Canada. Alberta, for instance, has struggled with rapid population growth driven by high immigration levels. Premier Danielle Smith announced plans for a referendum on provincial authority over immigration, proposing to limit provincially funded services—such as healthcare and education—to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with Alberta-approved status.
Gallivan's predecessor, Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, previously led the Operations Sector at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) between 2017 and 2020. Kochhar took over as deputy minister in January but will now hand the role to Gallivan. The transition date has not yet been confirmed, though the change is expected within weeks.
Federal officials have been working to reassert control over immigration policies amid provincial pushback in Canada. Gallivan's expertise in intergovernmental coordination and administrative oversight will likely play a central role in managing these disputes.
The new deputy minister will take charge as Canada navigates complex immigration challenges. His leadership will be crucial in balancing federal policies with provincial demands in Canada. The government has yet to announce the exact start date for Gallivan's tenure.
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