Peter Harder, the deputy minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, has resigned, my colleague Robert Fife is about to report on CTV Newsnet.
Harder was rumoured to be one of those in line for the job of Clerk of the Privy Council, Canada’s top civil service. That job eventually went to Kevin Lynch.
Here is the text of Harder’s departure letter, which was distributed to the department today:
Earlier this month, I indicated to the Prime Minister my intention to resign from the Public Service of Canada, effective March 2, 2007.
Over the past sixteen years, it has been my distinct pleasure to have worked, as Deputy Minister, with five Prime Ministers, twelve ministers, six clerks and countless dedicated public servants in six departments.
I have particularly enjoyed my now almost four years as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and am extremely proud to have had the opportunity to work with you all. Your dedication, professionalism and commitment to Canada has both inspired me and been the foundation of the transformation our department is undertaking.
However, after twenty-nine years of public service, I feel it is time to move on to new challenges.
I leave knowing that our minister, and the government as a whole, will continue to be well served by the leadership team and all employees of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
I thank you for your friendship and wish you all good things.