Canada Appoints New Poverty Council Members
The government has named two new members and reappointed four existing individuals to the National Advisory Council on Poverty.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People
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The Government of Canada has officially appointed two new members and reappointed four current members to the National Advisory Council on Poverty. These appointments aim to refresh the expertise represented on the council as it continues its work.
Why it matters
The government is seeking to renew and expand the diverse range of expertise held by council members to better address national poverty challenges. The council relies on these experienced appointees to provide guidance through the Governor in Council merit-based process.
New appointees Brandon Grant and Sharon McCarry bring 15 years of social policy experience and three decades of leadership experience respectively. They will serve two-year terms until September 30, 2028.
The players
Brandon Grant
He is the Executive Director of Policy and Corporate Services with the Government of Nova Scotia and has 15 years of professional experience in social policy.
Sharon McCarry
She founded La Fondation Place Coco and The Little Red Playhouse and brings three decades of leadership experience to the council.
National Advisory Council on Poverty
This body provides independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on poverty reduction in Canada.
The details
Brandon Grant, based in Brookside, Nova Scotia, currently serves as the Executive Director of Policy and Corporate Services. Sharon McCarry, a resident of Montréal, Quebec, is the founder of La Fondation Place Coco and The Little Red Playhouse, having previously served on the Canada Revenue Agency Disability Advisory Committee.
Timeline
Sharon McCarry served on the CRA Disability Advisory Committee from 2020 to 2024.
The two-year terms for new appointees conclude on September 30, 2028.
The three-year terms for reappointed members conclude on September 30, 2029.
Market Landscape
These appointments follow the institutional framework established by the Poverty Reduction Act. The council structure reflects a shift toward incorporating diverse professional expertise to meet mandated national poverty reduction targets.
Citizens can expect the council to continue its advisory role in shaping government strategies related to social services and poverty reduction. These shifts in leadership ensure that the council remains aligned with current provincial and sector-specific policy priorities.
The takeaway
The addition of these members highlights a focus on integrating regional and sector-specific leadership into federal advisory roles. Stakeholders should note that the council operates under a merit-based selection process that emphasizes long-term professional expertise.
Further reading
For more information on recent federal staffing decisions, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Canada.
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