The Government of Canada’s Recruitment of Policy Leaders (RPL) Program seeks exceptional individuals with diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are ready to shape public policy at the mid- to senior-policy level. This opportunity is open to candidates with strong leadership, research, and policy-relevant experience who want to contribute to addressing Canada’s most pressing challenges.

Deadline: The general stream opens on November 24, 2025, and accepts applications for two weeks. Separate streams for Indigenous applicants and persons with disabilities will remain open for an additional two weeks.

About the Program

The RPL Program identifies and recruits outstanding candidates capable of making meaningful contributions to the federal public service. Successful applicants join a pool of policy leaders who may be hired into a range of roles across federal departments and agencies.

Policy leaders work on key national issues, propose innovative policy solutions, and advise senior officials in an evolving public service environment. The program supports individuals who demonstrate potential for high-impact leadership and a commitment to public policy excellence.

Responsibilities

As a policy leader, selected candidates may:

• Work as mid-level or senior policy analysts in the federal public service.

• Propose creative and strategic solutions to national policy challenges.

• Advise senior officials and contribute to high-level decision-making.

• Shape their career paths across multiple policy areas.

• Join an active and influential alumni network of policy professionals.

Benefits

Participants in the Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program gain:

• Access to employment opportunities across federal departments and agencies that match their expertise.

• Mentorship from program alumni to support networking and the hiring process.

• Entry into a professional community focused on tackling Canada’s key policy priorities.

• Orientation sessions and regular events connecting them with peers and learning opportunities.

• Appointment to intermediate-level policy roles (typically EC-05 to EC-07), with salary ranges between $100,265 and $146,936.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada or abroad.

• Individuals residing in Canada without citizenship or permanent residency may apply, though preference is given to veterans and then to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• A strong record of policy-relevant experience, leadership, or research accomplishment.

• Interest and capacity to contribute to Canada’s public policy priorities.

• Backgrounds from any academic or professional field.

Priority expertise areas may include:

• Artificial intelligence and technological innovation

• Border security, public safety, law enforcement

• Crown-Indigenous relations, resource development, northern affairs

• Defence and national security

• Economic growth and productivity

• Infrastructure and housing

• International trade and investment

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Commitment to Equity and Accessibility

The Government of Canada is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and accessible public service. Applicants are encouraged to self-declare if they identify as:

• Indigenous

• A person with a disability

• A member of a visible minority group

• A woman

Assessment accommodation measures are available at every stage, including alternate formats, adaptive technologies, extended time, and individual testing setups.

Application Process

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application once the campaign opens. If shortlisted, candidates may expect:

• A written assessment

• An interview

• Reference checks

• Document verification

More information and the application link will be available once the 2025–2026 campaign launches on November 24, 2025 here.

The Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program offers a rare pathway into impactful mid- to senior-level policy roles within the Government of Canada. With strong mentorship, access to a national policy network, and opportunities to contribute to key federal priorities, the program is ideal for individuals committed to public service and policy innovation. Eligible candidates with demonstrated leadership, research excellence, and a passion for shaping Canada’s future are strongly encouraged to apply once the campaign opens on November 24, 2025.