Government Innovation Week - Federal

Agenda

Ottawa, 25 February 2025

All times in EST

8:00 am

Registration and Networking

9:00 am

Opening from Public Sector Network

9:10 am

Welcome from the Event Chair: People Leadership in the Digital Age

9:20 am

Keynote

Inspirational Keynote

9:40 am

Partner Session

Empowering Inclusive Leadership with Tech Innovations

10:00 am

Panel Discussion

Leading Through Complexity: People Strategy in Tech

  • As leaders, how can we cultivate a leadership style that thrives amidst the complexities of tech team dynamics? 
  • What leadership initiatives effectively promote diversity and drive inclusion within tech teams? 
  • How should leaders utilise emotional intelligence to navigate the challenges unique to tech environments? 
  • What strategies can leaders implement to attract, develop, and retain top tech talent during rapid industry changes? 
  • In what ways can leaders champion ethical technology use within their teams and decision-making processes? 

Paul N. Wagner, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Digital Service

Barry Lowry, Chief Information Officer, Government of Ireland

Sylvain Bélanger, Chief Information Officer, Information Management and Technology Directorate, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

10:50 am

Morning Tea & Networking

11:20 am

Welcome from Event Chair: Summary of Session one and Intro Session 2 – Process 

11:40 am

Partner Session

Leveraging AI in Process Automation for Public Sector Efficiency 

12:00 pm

Panel Discussion

Strategic Leadership: Streamlining Processes for Digital Excellence 

  • How can tech leaders align digital initiatives with governmental policies while leading through bureaucratic complexities? 
  • In the role of a leader, how do you instil agile thinking to reshape traditional processes within the public sector? 
  • As regulations evolve, what leadership strategies are key to balancing innovation with compliance? 
  • From a leader’s perspective, what are the most effective ways to manage resources to maximise impact in tech projects? 
  • How should leaders approach vendor relationships to cultivate fruitful partnerships that drive technological advancement?

 

Jack Hamande, Director General Simplification & Digital Transformation, Belgian Federal Public Service Policy and Support

Christiana Cavazzoni, Chief Information Officer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada 

12:50 pm

Lunch & Networking

1:50 am

Roundtables

Interactive Roundtable Sessions

  • Leadership Fundamentals: Styles, Vision, and Motivation 
  • Emotional Intelligence and Ethical Leadership
  • Innovation and Creativity in Government Settings 
  • Strategic Thinking for Effective Governance 
  • Communication Mastery in Leadership Roles  
  • Team Management and Development Techniques 
  • Future Trends: Preparing for the Digital Shifts 
  •  Personal Development for Leaders: Skills for the Future 

2:50 pm

Short Break

3:00 pm

Welcome from Event Chair: Summary of Session one and Intro Session 3 – Technology 

3:10 pm

Partner Session

Leading the Charge in Secure Tech Adoption and Data Management

3:30 pm

Panel Discussion

Visionary Leadership: Navigating the Technological Landscape

  • As a tech leader in the public sector, how can you ensure new technologies are integrated effectively and with foresight? 
  • What leadership qualities are essential for staying ahead in cybersecurity amidst a fast-evolving threat landscape? 
  • How do leaders leverage data analytics to transform public service delivery while maintaining trust and privacy? 
  • What barriers to technology adoption do leaders face, and how can these be overcome with strategic leadership? 
  • How can leaders inspire innovation and manage risk in a sector known for its cautious approach to new technologies?

Joel Martin, Chief Digital Research Officer, National Research Council of Canada 

Ryan Hum, Chief Client Experience Officer and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister – Citizen Service Branch, Service Canada

4:20 pm

Closing Remarks

4:30 pm

Networking Drinks