Administrative and regulatory occupations

How to become an executive assistant

Official title: Executive assistants

Also called: Special assistant, Executive assistant, Legislative assistant, Ministerial assistant, Constituency assistant, Parliamentary assistant, Medical information assistant, Committee clerk, Constituency aid, Corporate secretary, Parliamentary committee clerk

Executive assistants coordinate administrative procedures, public relations activities and research and analysis functions for members of legislative assemblies, ministers, deputy ministers, corporate officials and executives, committees and boards of directors. They are employed by governments, corporations and associations.

Main tasks

Establish and coordinate administrative policies and procedures for officials, committees and boards of directors
Analyze incoming and outgoing memoranda, submissions and reports and prepare and co-ordinate the preparation and submission of summary briefs and reports to executives, committees and boards of directors
Prepare agendas and make arrangements for committee, board and other meetings
Conduct research, compile data, and prepare papers for consideration and presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors
Meet with individuals, special interest groups and others on behalf of executives, committees and boards of directors to discuss issues and assess and recommend various courses of action
Liaise with departmental and corporate officials and with other organizations and associations on behalf of executives, committees and boards of directors

How to become one

Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science or a related discipline or the completion of a college diploma in administration is usually required. Experience in a related administrative occupation is usually required.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 37% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Business operations support and assistant services; Business administration, management and operations; Business/commerce, general.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $67,509 a year The middle half earn $58,364 to $78,410.
About 41,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 46,500 are projected by 2033. (+12%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become an executive assistant?

How much does an executive assistant earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $67,509 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $58,364 to $78,410.

Is an executive assistant a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 41,500 to about 46,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become an executive assistant?

Not always. 35% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03