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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Finance

Michael Sabia

Michael John Sabia is a Canadian businessman and public servant.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Michael Sabia is a Canadian businessman and public servant who has held top roles in both the private and public sectors. He is currently the 26th clerk of the Privy Council, effective July 7, 2025.

What it is

Michael Sabia is a Canadian executive who has led major corporations and government agencies. His career includes serving as CEO of BCE, CEO of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, CEO of Hydro-Québec, deputy minister of finance, and clerk of the Privy Council.

Why it matters

Sabia's career reflects a unique blend of private and public sector leadership in Canada. His roles at key institutions like the Caisse and Hydro-Québec have shaped Quebec's economy, and his federal positions have influenced national policy and infrastructure.

Key details

Sabia began in the federal public service, then moved to Canadian National Railway and BCE. He led the Caisse from 2009 to 2020, served as deputy minister of finance, chaired the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and was CEO of Hydro-Québec before becoming clerk of the Privy Council in 2025.

In short

  • Moved between top private and public sector roles in Canada.
  • Led Quebec's pension fund manager for over a decade.
  • Became Canada's top civil servant in 2025.
  • Previously led BCE and held senior roles at CN Rail.
Canadian angle

Sabia is a prominent figure in Canadian business and public administration, with leadership roles in federal institutions, a major Quebec pension fund manager, Canada’s infrastructure bank, and Hydro-Québec.

Quick questions

Who is Michael Sabia?
Michael Sabia is a Canadian businessman and public servant known for senior roles in major corporations, Quebec’s pension manager, federal finance, Hydro-Québec, and the Privy Council Office.
What is Michael Sabia’s current role?
He has served as the 26th clerk of the Privy Council since July 7, 2025.
What companies has Michael Sabia led?
He has been CEO of BCE, CEO of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, CEO of Hydro-Québec, and held senior roles at Canadian National Railway.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Sabia
    Supports: Birth date; nationality; career chronology; clerk of the Privy Council appointment; senior roles at Caisse, Hydro-Québec, BCE, CN, and federal government.
  2. CFA Montreal — https://www.cfamontreal.org/static/uploaded/Files/Conferenciers/2014-2015/15-04-01-Bio-Michael-Sabia-EN.pdf
    Supports: Biography; CEO of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec; BCE and CN roles; education at Toronto and Yale.
  3. Government of Canada — https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/CIB-BIC/bio-michael-sabia-eng.html
    Supports: Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank; prior roles; public-sector beginnings; Order of Canada.
  4. World Economic Forum — https://www.weforum.org/people/michael-sabia/
    Supports: Private-sector and public-service career summary; education.