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Politics Insider: Carney recruits Hydroa'Qubec CEO to head public service

Carney Taps Hydro-Québec's Sophie Brochu to Lead Public Infrastructure Push Amid Economic Growth Drive

In a strategic move underscoring the Liberal government's renewed focus on bolstering Canada's economic resilience, former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney has recruited Sophie Brochu, the outgoing CEO of Hydro-Québec, to spearhead a high-profile task force on public infrastructure. This development, announced as part of Carney's broader mandate to advise on economic growth strategies, signals an aggressive push to revitalize public investments in key sectors like energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure. Brochu's appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as Canada grapples with sluggish productivity, inflationary pressures, and the urgent need to transition to a low-carbon economy.

Mark Carney, who has long been a towering figure in global finance and climate policy, was recently enlisted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to chair a task force aimed at charting a path for sustainable economic expansion. Carney's role, which draws on his experience as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, as well as his current positions in private sector ventures like Brookfield Asset Management, positions him as a key architect of the Liberals' post-pandemic recovery blueprint. Insiders suggest that Carney's involvement is not merely advisory; it carries the weight of potential political ambitions, with speculation swirling about his interest in succeeding Trudeau as Liberal leader. By bringing Brochu on board, Carney is assembling a team of heavy hitters to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation: how to leverage public funds to stimulate private investment and drive long-term growth.

Sophie Brochu, a respected energy executive with a track record of transformative leadership, steps into this role after a tenure at Hydro-Québec marked by bold initiatives in renewable energy and grid modernization. As CEO since 2020, Brochu navigated the state-owned utility through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing expansions in hydroelectric capacity and pushing for greater integration of wind and solar power into Quebec's energy mix. Her departure from Hydro-Québec, announced earlier this year, was framed as a personal decision to pursue new challenges, but her expertise in managing large-scale infrastructure projects made her an ideal candidate for Carney's vision. Brochu's background also includes stints in the natural gas sector with Énergir (formerly Gaz Métro), where she rose to become president and CEO, demonstrating her ability to bridge public and private interests in energy policy.

The task force Brochu will head is specifically focused on public infrastructure, a domain where Canada has faced criticism for underinvestment in recent decades. According to sources familiar with the initiative, the panel will examine ways to accelerate projects in critical areas such as high-speed rail, broadband expansion in rural areas, and resilient energy systems capable of withstanding climate change impacts. This aligns with the federal government's broader agenda, including the Canada Infrastructure Bank and various green transition funds, but aims to inject fresh momentum by identifying bottlenecks and proposing innovative financing models. Carney has emphasized the need for "smart public investment" that crowds in private capital, echoing themes from his time at the Bank of England where he championed sustainable finance.

This recruitment is part of a larger narrative unfolding in Ottawa, where the Liberals are under pressure to deliver tangible economic results ahead of the next federal election. With inflation easing but growth projections remaining modest—Canada's GDP growth is forecasted at around 1.2% for 2024 by the International Monetary Fund—the government is betting on figures like Carney and Brochu to provide credible, non-partisan advice. Critics, however, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, have dismissed such task forces as window dressing, arguing that they distract from immediate issues like housing affordability and tax relief. Poilievre's team has pointed to the Liberals' track record of ballooning deficits, suggesting that more panels won't solve underlying fiscal mismanagement.

Brochu's involvement adds a layer of regional balance to the task force, given her deep roots in Quebec's energy sector. Hydro-Québec, one of North America's largest hydroelectric producers, has been a model for clean energy exports, supplying power to neighboring provinces and U.S. states. Her leadership there included navigating contentious debates over dam projects and Indigenous consultations, experiences that could inform national strategies for inclusive infrastructure development. In a statement, Brochu expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting that "public infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy, and we must invest wisely to ensure it serves all Canadians, from urban centers to remote communities."

Carney's recruitment strategy extends beyond Brochu, with reports indicating he's courting other experts from academia, business, and civil society. This collaborative approach draws inspiration from international models, such as the U.K.'s National Infrastructure Commission, which Carney helped influence during his time in London. By assembling a diverse group, Carney aims to produce recommendations that are both ambitious and actionable, potentially influencing the upcoming federal budget. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has already signaled openness to such input, highlighting the need for "bold ideas" to boost productivity and competitiveness.

The broader political context cannot be ignored. Carney's re-emergence in Canadian public life has fueled speculation about his future. A darling of progressive circles for his advocacy on climate finance—he served as the UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance—Carney has deftly balanced centrist economic views with environmental priorities. His book "Value(s): Building a Better World for All" outlines a vision for inclusive capitalism, themes that resonate with the Liberals' platform but also appeal to a wider electorate. Recruiting Brochu, a francophone leader with strong Quebec ties, could help shore up support in a province where the Liberals have faced electoral setbacks.

Meanwhile, other political undercurrents are at play. The NDP, under Jagmeet Singh, has called for greater emphasis on social infrastructure like affordable housing and child care, potentially aligning with or challenging the task force's focus. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet might view Brochu's move as a federal incursion into provincial domains, given Quebec's jealously guarded control over energy policy. These dynamics highlight the delicate balance Carney must strike in his advisory role.

Economists have weighed in on the potential impact of this initiative. RBC Economics analyst Carrie Freestone noted that Canada's infrastructure gap—estimated at over $150 billion by some studies—has hampered productivity growth, which lags behind G7 peers. By prioritizing projects with high economic multipliers, such as renewable energy grids, the task force could unlock billions in private investment. However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and the need for interprovincial cooperation.

Brochu's task force is expected to deliver interim findings by early next year, with a full report potentially influencing policy ahead of the 2025 election. Carney has stressed the urgency, warning that without decisive action, Canada risks falling behind in the global race for green innovation. "We have the resources, the talent, and the will," Carney said in a recent address. "Now is the time to build the infrastructure of tomorrow."

This development also intersects with ongoing debates over energy policy. Hydro-Québec's role in exporting clean power to the U.S. Northeast has been a point of pride, but it raises questions about domestic needs, especially as provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan push back against federal carbon pricing. Brochu's expertise could help bridge these divides, advocating for a national strategy that respects provincial jurisdictions while advancing shared goals.

In summary, Carney's recruitment of Sophie Brochu represents a calculated step toward reinvigorating Canada's economic engine through targeted public infrastructure investments. As the task force takes shape, it will be watched closely for its ability to translate high-level ideas into concrete policies that benefit everyday Canadians. Whether this initiative propels the Liberals forward or becomes fodder for opposition critiques remains to be seen, but it underscores the high stakes of blending expertise with political strategy in an era of economic uncertainty.

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Read the Full The Globe and Mail Article at:
[ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-politics-insider-carney-recruits-hydroquebec-ceo-to-head-public/ ]