Created in 2003, Public Safety Canada ensures coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians. Its mandate is to keep Canadians safe from a range of risks such as natural disasters, crime and terrorism.

On April 4, 2016, the Prime Minister appointed Malcolm Brown as Deputy Minister of Public Safety. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Brown served as Special Advisor to the Clerk of the Privy Council on the Syrian Refugee Initiative since Nov. 9, 2015. 

Mr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies from Queen's and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from York University. He began his federal public service career in the Federal Provincial Relations Office, then worked at Health Canada and latter at the Privy Council Office where, among other senior positions, he served as Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for the Reference Group of Ministers on Aboriginal Policy.