Public Safety Canada Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Public Safety Canada has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, information technology, emergency management, and cabinet affairs.

Driven by a commitment to national security, Public Safety Canada safeguards citizens through comprehensive security measures across cyber, immigration, and crime prevention, fostering community resilience.

Leadership Roles at Public Safety Canada

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - John McKinley
  • Chief of Staff - Charlie Tsao
  • Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer - Dave Brach
  • Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Emergency Management Deputy Minister - Amanda Colangelo
  • Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef - Josée Dussault
  • John McKinley - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    John McKinley, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Public Safety Canada, manages fiscal operations and financial strategy to support national security objectives. McKinley oversees budget allocation, financial reporting, and risk management, ensuring robust financial controls are in place for all departmental activities, including those concerning immigration and cyber security. This critical role involves developing financial models that sustain long-term operational capabilities and drive efficiency across various public safety programs. By providing expert financial guidance, John McKinley enables Public Safety Canada to effectively allocate resources towards combating crime, child trafficking, and other significant threats. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's oversight ensures fiscal accountability and supports the department's mission to safeguard Canadian communities.

    Charlie Tsao - Chief of Staff

    Charlie Tsao, the Chief of Staff at Public Safety Canada, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across critical security functions. Overseeing the coordination of departmental priorities, Tsao ensures seamless execution of policies related to national security, cyber threats, and crime prevention. This leadership position involves managing key stakeholder communications and facilitating the efficient flow of information between executive leadership and operational teams. By optimizing internal processes, Charlie Tsao enhances the department's capacity to address complex challenges such as child trafficking and community hazards. The role demands a keen understanding of governmental operations and a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring that Public Safety Canada effectively fulfills its mandate to protect Canadians.

    Dave Brach - Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer

    Dave Brach, the Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer at Public Safety Canada, architects and executes the information technology strategy essential for national security and public safety operations. Brach leads the development and implementation of secure, resilient digital infrastructure, safeguarding sensitive data related to cyber threats, immigration, and crime prevention. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of advanced technologies to enhance the department's response capabilities for community hazards and child trafficking initiatives. By ensuring robust IT governance and operational continuity, Dave Brach supports Public Safety Canada's mission to protect Canadians. The Director General's focus on innovation and security empowers the department to effectively manage evolving digital risks and maintain critical public services.

    Amanda Colangelo - Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Emergency Management Deputy Minister

    Amanda Colangelo, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Emergency Management Deputy Minister at Public Safety Canada, orchestrates critical support functions for emergency management and senior advisory roles. Colangelo ensures seamless coordination of departmental efforts in responding to national crises and managing ongoing public safety initiatives, including those related to cyber security and crime prevention. This multifaceted position involves managing communications, strategic planning, and operational logistics to support the Deputy Minister's mandate. By facilitating effective decision-making and resource deployment, Amanda Colangelo enhances Public Safety Canada's capacity to address community hazards and protect citizens. The role demands exceptional organizational skills and a deep understanding of emergency response protocols.

    Josée Dussault - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Josée Dussault, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Public Safety Canada, directs strategic coordination and operational efficiency within the executive office, focusing on departmental priorities. Dussault manages key communications and ensures alignment of cabinet-level directives with ongoing public safety operations, including those concerning national security, immigration, and crime prevention. This pivotal role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and supporting the effective implementation of policies designed to protect Canadians from various threats, such as child trafficking and cyber risks. By optimizing workflow and stakeholder engagement, Josée Dussault strengthens Public Safety Canada's ability to respond to community hazards and maintain national security. The Chief of Staff's expertise ensures cohesive departmental action.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Public Safety Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Public Safety Canada?
    Public Safety Canada is led by John McKinley (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Charlie Tsao (Chief of Staff) and Dave Brach (Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Public Safety Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Public Safety Canada includes leaders such as John McKinley (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Charlie Tsao (Chief of Staff), Dave Brach (Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Public Safety Canada have?
    Public Safety Canada has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Public Safety Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Public Safety Canada includes roles such as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Emergency Management Deputy Minister, Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef.