Mark Schaan will become deputy secretary to the cabinet for artificial intelligence in the Privy Council Office (PCO), the public service counterpart to the Prime Minister’s Office, later this month. He is currently a senior assistant deputy minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). (The Logic)

Talking point: The PCO houses several deputy secretaries, many of whom focus on the mechanics of the government. But the Liberals have added officials to manage key policy files that span departments, like clean growth and emergency preparedness. Schaan’s new position suggests AI is viewed as another such issue that needs managing across the government. It’s a broader version of his gig at ISED, where he’s run domestic-facing files like Bill C-27, which contains the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, as well as international engagements like Canada’s involvement with the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.