National security adviser Dick Fadden retires after long public-service career

OTTAWA – National security adviser Dick Fadden, a veteran public servant who once headed Canada’s spy agency, is retiring.

Fadden’s role will be filled by his deputy, David McGovern, until a permanent replacement is named.

In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau applauds Fadden’s 39-year career, during which he also served as deputy minister of National Defence, Citizenship and Immigration and Natural Resources.

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Fadden was security and intelligence co-ordinator in the Privy Council Office – a forerunner of the national security adviser post – during the 9-11 attacks on New York and Washington.

In 2002 he became president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, handling a breakout of mad cow disease that rocked meat producers.

Fadden served as director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service for four years, beginning in 2009.