Former Top Public Servant, Ontario Sen. Ian Shugart, Passes Away at Age 66

The Speaker of the Senate announced on Oct. 25 that Ian Shugart, an Ontario senator and former top public servant, has died at the age of 66.

Shugart was appointed to the Senate in September 2022 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, following a career in the public service that spanned over 40 years.

He became the clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet in 2019, becoming the highest-ranking member of the public service and serving as its main link to Mr. Trudeau and ministers.

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He also served as a deputy minister for the federal environment, employment and foreign-affairs departments.

Sen. Marc Gold, the government’s representative in the Senate, says he’s deeply saddened to hear of the death of his colleague.

“His time in the Senate followed an illustrious career in Canada’s civil service, including serving as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet,” Gold said on Wednesday.

“His wealth of experience in health, environment, social development and foreign affairs will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”