Departmental Officials

Verna E. Bruce
Associate Deputy Minister
Veterans Affairs Canada

Born in Charlottetown then educated at Mount Allison and Carleton universities, Verna began her public service career as an Administrative Trainee with the Government of Prince Edward Island in May 1974. In 1985, she was appointed as Director of the Division of Home Care and Support and helped to create the first integrated provincial program for home care.

In December 1988, Verna was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services with responsibility for Social Programs. In 1990, she was appointed Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, and later named General Manager of the PEI Housing Corporation. At the Deputy Minister level, she also served in Provincial Treasury, Management Board, Intergovernmental Affairs and Higher Education. In 1996, she was appointed as Clerk of Executive Council and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and then appointed to Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services in September 1997. Verna joined Veterans Affairs Canada on January 5, 1998, as the Associate Deputy Minister.

As Associate Deputy Minister, Verna shares overall responsibility for the delivery of programs and services to clients as well as for in-Canada and overseas commemorative activities and stakeholder relations. She has direct responsibility for specific areas within the Department including the Office of Early Conflict Resolution, the Federal Healthcare Partnership and the Bureau of Pensions Advocates. She is a champion of life-long learning and has spearheaded many learning initiatives within the Department.

Verna is co-chair of CHANCES, a not for profit organization dedicated to the social welfare of children at risk, and she is on the Executive Committee for the Vanier Institute of the Family. Verna has been an active member of various groups; a Sunday School Teacher and former Superintendent; youth group leader; campaign Chair for the P.E.I. United Way; and canvasser for a variety of community organizations. She co-chaired the 2006 Annual Institute of Public Administrators of Canada (IPAC) National Conference, which explored the key role played by the public service in sustaining democratic values in society.

Verna resides in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. She has two children, Nigel and Becky, and three grandchildren.