Fraser Valentine is a senior federal public servant with over 20 years of experience across multiple federal departments, specializing in social, economic, immigration, Indigenous, and Northern policy. He has served at the Privy Council Office, offering non-partisan support to Cabinet and the Prime Minister, and has held key leadership roles at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. As Assistant Deputy Minister of Settlement and Integration (2019–2022), he managed a $1 billion annual budget, overseeing policies and programs to support immigrant and refugee integration, including Francophone immigration outside Quebec. His work also included leading Canada's refugee resettlement program, negotiating international agreements such as the Global Compact on Refugees, and representing Canada at the UNHCR and OECD.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fraser was seconded to the Public Health Agency of Canada, where he led a strategic review of Canada's pandemic response to strengthen future public health preparedness. His career has also included roles at Human Resources Development Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Before joining the public service, Fraser was an academic and policy researcher, affiliated with organizations such as the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, Canadian Policy Research Networks, Ryerson University and the University of Toronto.
Why He Teaches
Fraser teaches to foster critical thinking in public servants, helping them navigate the complexities of government decision-making. He is passionate about equipping leaders with the tools to develop sound, evidence-based policies that serve Canadians.
Expertise
- Machinery of government: Understanding federal institutions and policy processes
- Risk management: Strategic decision-making in complex environments
- Immigration and refugee policy: Policy frameworks and program delivery
- Public health: Lessons from pandemic response
- Intergovernmental relations: Collaboration across jurisdictions
Credentials
- Ph.D. (ABD) in Political Science, University of Toronto
- M.A. in Canadian Studies, Carleton University
- B.A. (Honours) in Political Science and Canadian Studies, Carleton University
