Deputy Minister Paul Ledwell

Paul Ledwell was appointed Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) effective 25 May 2021. As Deputy, he leads Canada’s efforts to support the well-being of Veterans and their families, and to promote recognition and remembrance of the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict, and peace.

Before his VAC appointment, Paul served as Clerk of the Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet for the Government of Prince Edward Island starting in 2016, and as Deputy Minister to the Premier beginning in 2015. In these roles, he led the province’s public service and policy development across government, and served as Deputy Minister of Policy and Priorities, with portfolio responsibilities for Indigenous relations, Acadian and Francophone affairs, and international relations.

Before his public sector career, Paul held executive positions in the private sector and in two Canadian think tanks, as well as senior positions in the research and higher education fields.

As the grandson of a Veteran of the First World War and the son of a past Canadian Reservist, Paul is proud to serve and support Canada’s Veterans and their families. He is only the second resident of Prince Edward Island to permanently hold the position of Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, a federal department that has been headquartered in the province since 1980.