Deputy Minister Paul Ledwell

Paul Ledwell was appointed Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs effective May 25, 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.

Prior to his appointment, Paul served as Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet in the Government of Prince Edward Island  from 2016 as well as serving from 2015 as Deputy Minister to the Premier.  In these roles, he led the province’s public service and policy development across government and served as Deputy Minister of intergovernmental relations. His portfolio responsibilities included Indigenous relations, Acadian and Francophone Affairs and international relations.

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

As the grandson of a Veteran of the First World War and the son of a past Canadian Reservist, he 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.