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Janice Charette

Janice Charette is a Canadian public servant and diplomat who has served twice as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Janice Charette is a Canadian public servant and diplomat who has served twice as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. She was also Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2021 and was appointed the Government of Canada’s chief trade negotiator to the United States in 2026.

Early life and education

Charette earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University. Available sources also note later professional development, including an ICD.D designation in 2021.

Federal public service career

She spent nearly four decades in the federal public service, including senior roles in intergovernmental affairs, human resources and skills development, immigration, citizenship, health, and other departments.

Clerk of the Privy Council

Charette served as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet from 2014 to 2016, returned as interim clerk in 2021, and served again until her retirement in 2023.

Diplomatic service

From 2016 to 2021, Charette represented Canada as high commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Later roles and honours

After retiring, she took on advisory and board roles. In 2025 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, and in 2026 she was named chief trade negotiator to the United States.

Key facts

  • Janice Charette served as Clerk of the Privy Council twice, making her one of the few Canadians to hold the post more than once.
  • She was Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2021.
  • In February 2026, the Government of Canada named her chief trade negotiator to the United States.
  • She retired from the public service in June 2023 after nearly 40 years of service.
  • She received the Officer of the Order of Canada designation in December 2025.
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Canadian context

Charette is a prominent figure in Canada’s federal public service and diplomatic corps, and her career is relevant to Canadian governance, public administration, and trade policy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Janice Charette?
Janice Charette is a Canadian public servant and diplomat who has held senior roles in the federal government, including Clerk of the Privy Council and High Commissioner to the UK.
What was Janice Charette’s role in the Government of Canada?
She served as the principal public service advisor to the Prime Minister and Head of the Public Service while Clerk of the Privy Council.
When did Janice Charette serve as Clerk of the Privy Council?
She served from 2014 to 2016 and again from 2021 to 2023, with an interim appointment beginning in 2021.
What was her diplomatic posting?
She was Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2021.
What is Janice Charette’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University.
What was her 2026 appointment?
She was named the Government of Canada’s chief trade negotiator to the United States in February 2026.

References

  1. Prime Minister of Canada — https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2026/02/16/honourable-janice-charette
    Supports: Career summary, Clerk of the Privy Council service, High Commissioner role, retirement, honours, education, and 2026 trade negotiator appointment.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janice_Charette
    Supports: Overview of positions held, including Clerk of the Privy Council, High Commissioner to the UK, and 2026 trade negotiator appointment.
  3. Carleton University — https://carleton.ca/challengeconference/profile/janice-charette/
    Supports: Education and detailed chronology of senior public service roles.
  4. Global Affairs Canada — https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/podcasts-transcript-balados-transcription-ep4.aspx?lang=eng
    Supports: Statement that she was the second woman in Canadian history to serve as Clerk of the Privy Council and her role as High Commissioner.