Deputy Minister University Champion
The Deputy Minister University Champion Initiative strengthens links between the Government of Canada and Canadian universities. The strategy is designed to support robust and relevant public administration education and research so that the federal public service has access to leading ideas and theories, a new generation of public administration scholars, and new employees who are well-educated in modern public management.
Appointed by the Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada, UPEI's Deputy Minister University Champion is Nancy Gardiner.
Nancy Gardiner is the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada. Prior to being appointed on March 23rd, 2026, she served as President (Deputy Minister) of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, where she worked closely with communities, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and all levels of government to support innovation, economic development, and regional growth. She previously served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Programs, Policy and Operations at Women and Gender Equality Canada and held several senior leadership roles at Service Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada.
Nancy brings extensive experience delivering complex social and economic programs and a strong commitment to service excellence, operational effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement. Her leadership is guided by a focus on results and meaningful impact for Veterans and their families.
Read her full biography on the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
