Wayne Wouters (MA’77 Economics) has been named clerk of the Privy Council, effective July 1. Stephen Harper made the announcement earlier this month in Ottawa.

The clerk of the Privy Council is the head of the federal public service and serves as the Prime Minister’s primary connection to the bureaucracy.

Mr. Wouters, an economist, began his career in Saskatchewan’s civil service, has held senior posts within three federal departments, and most recently has served as secretary of the Treasury Board.

He will replace Kevin Lynch, who has been in the position since 2006.