Public Safety Canada Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Public Safety Canada has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, information technology, emergency management, cabinet coordination, and financial oversight.

Committed to national security and community resilience, Public Safety Canada advances comprehensive policies to mitigate cyber threats, combat crime, and protect citizens across the country.

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, directs the fiscal strategy and resource allocation processes that sustain national security operations. McKinley oversees the budgeting, financial reporting, and audit functions to ensure that all departmental expenditures align with federal accountability standards. By managing the financial health of the organization, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer enables the effective deployment of resources toward cyber security, crime prevention, and emergency management programs. This role involves constant collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer to optimize funding models for long-term operational sustainability. John McKinley monitors fiscal performance across all divisions, identifying opportunities for cost-efficiency without compromising the quality of public safety services. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, McKinley supports the strategic objectives of the department, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes directly to the protection of citizens and the maintenance of national security infrastructure across the country.

    Charlie Tsao - Chief of Staff

    Charlie Tsao, the Chief of Staff at Public Safety Canada, directs high-level administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the department. Tsao manages the flow of information between senior leadership and internal divisions to ensure alignment with national security mandates. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making regarding cyber security and crime prevention protocols. This role involves constant collaboration with the Deputy Minister to refine policy implementation across North American jurisdictions. Charlie Tsao maintains rigorous oversight of departmental priorities, ensuring that all operational outputs meet federal standards for public protection. Through the management of complex administrative projects, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of safeguarding Canadian communities from evolving hazards. Tsao drives organizational excellence by streamlining communication channels and fostering cross-functional cooperation, ultimately strengthening the capacity of the department to address critical national safety challenges effectively.

    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 the digital infrastructure necessary for robust national security operations. Brach oversees the integration of advanced cyber defense systems and data management frameworks to protect sensitive government information. By modernizing technological assets, the Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer ensures that the department maintains a proactive stance against digital threats. This leadership position requires constant engagement with federal technology partners to secure critical infrastructure across the country. Dave Brach manages the deployment of secure communication networks, enabling seamless coordination during emergency responses. Through the implementation of innovative IT solutions, Brach enhances the analytical capabilities of the department, allowing for more precise threat detection. The Director General, Office of the Chief Information Officer remains focused on maintaining high-availability systems that support the core mission of protecting the public from both physical and virtual dangers.

    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, manages complex emergency response strategies and provides critical support to senior leadership. Colangelo coordinates multi-agency efforts to address community hazards and child trafficking, ensuring that policy directives translate into actionable field operations. By facilitating communication between the Deputy Minister and emergency management teams, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Emergency Management Deputy Minister maintains operational readiness across all regional sectors. This role involves analyzing risk data to inform national safety protocols and resource allocation. Amanda Colangelo drives the execution of emergency management initiatives, ensuring that the department responds effectively to large-scale crises. Through meticulous planning and inter-departmental coordination, Colangelo strengthens the national framework for disaster mitigation and public protection, ensuring that all safety measures align with the overarching goals of the federal government.

    Josée Dussault - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Josée Dussault, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Public Safety Canada, manages the executive cabinet office and directs high-level policy alignment for national security initiatives. Dussault oversees the preparation of legislative briefings and ensures that departmental activities remain consistent with federal mandates regarding immigration and crime prevention. By coordinating the activities of the cabinet, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef facilitates the rapid dissemination of strategic directives to all relevant divisions. This leadership role requires constant interaction with government stakeholders to ensure that public safety policies receive necessary support and funding. Josée Dussault maintains rigorous oversight of the cabinet agenda, prioritizing initiatives that address the most pressing security concerns facing the nation. Through the management of executive communications and policy development, Dussault ensures that the department operates with transparency and efficiency, ultimately supporting the long-term stability and safety of the Canadian public.

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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.