Alumnus Arun Thangaraj Named to Hill Times 100 Most Influential List
Arun Thangaraj has been named to The Hill Times 100 Most Influential People in Politics and Government in 2026, recognizing his significant contributions to Canada’s federal public service and leadership in public administration.
Appointed Deputy Minister of Transport in 2023, his inclusion on The Hill Times annual list reflects his longstanding impact across multiple central government institutions and his depth of experience in public sector financial management, transportation policy, and governance.
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Thangaraj served as Associate Deputy Minister at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, following two years as Associate Deputy Minister at Transport Canada. In these senior roles, he supported largescale policy implementation, departmental operations, and strategic decisionmaking at the highest levels of government.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Thangaraj was Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer at Global Affairs Canada, and previously served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the former Canadian International Development Agency. He also brings experience in transportation oversight, having worked at the Canadian Transportation Agency from 2002 to 2011.
In recognition of his contributions to the federal public service and his community, Mr. Thangaraj received the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. He has also served on various governance boards and is a sessional lecturer in the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) at Carleton University, supporting the development of future public service leaders.
Mr. Thangaraj is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
In 2025, he was awarded the Bissett Alumni Award from the School of Public Policy and Administration, which celebrates alumni who “exemplify excellence and dedication in public service.”