SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
Last Friday the Prime Minister’s office posted changes to senior ranks of the Public Service including announcing the retirement of John Knubley, Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED).
The press release congratulated Knubley “on his retirement from the Public Service of Canada, following a distinguished career marked by dedication and excellence in serving Canadians.”
One of Knubley’s responsibilities included working the government’s space file, a responsibility he had since September 2012 when he became ISED Deputy Minister.
The announcement also including naming Knubley’s replacement, Simon Kennedy, who comes over from the Health department where he was the Deputy Minister. His appointment is effective as of September 3.
Kennedy has a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and Master of Science (Communications Management) from Syracuse University. He also completed a 1 year Advanced Management Program at the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD).
His professional experience is listed below, however his experience also includes being a board member for these organizations; Health and Biosciences Economic Strategy Table, Canada Research Coordinating Committee and the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Since January 2015
Deputy Minister of Health
2012 – 2015
Deputy Minister for International Trade & G-20 Sherpa for Canada
2010 – 2012
Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Industry
2011
Representative of the Prime Minister, Canada-U.S. Beyond the Border Working Group
2008 – 2010
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultations), Privy Council Office
2007 – 2008
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office
2004 – 2007
Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Economic and Regional Development Policy, Privy Council Office
2003 – 2004
Director General, International Marketing, Market and Industry Services Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
2001 – 2003
Director General, Policy Planning and Integration, Policy Branch, Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada
1999 – 2001
Director of Operations, Priorities and Planning, Plans and Consultations, Privy Council Office
1990 – 1999
Various positions in Policy and Communications, Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Privy Council Office
