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Human-centered design helps leaders uncover real needs, reduce friction, and create services that are intuitive, accessible, and trusted. This session explores how focusing on client experience can drive efficiency reducing the cost of support, distribution and rework.

You will learn how to:

• Connect service design, behavioural insights and usability testing with operational efficiency
• Measure the impact of design changes and report out on savings
• Empower front line operational staff to focus on high-touch needs
• Drive cultural change that prioritizes client experience to optimize efficiency

Join us for an honest conversation on the dynamic nature and impact of leadership in today's environment

As tech environments become more fast-paced and complex, public sector leaders must develop adaptive leadership styles that drive team cohesion, ethical innovation, and inclusive growth. Thriving in tech isn't just about keeping up with change—it’s about leading with intention, empathy, and strategy.

This session will help you apply new approaches on how you can lead high-performing tech teams with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

• Strengthen leadership styles to adapt to evolving tech environments
  
• Promote diversity and embed inclusion across all leadership levels
  
• Apply emotional intelligence to improve communication and decision-making
  
• Attract and retain top talent during rapid technological shifts
  
• Champion ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies

Jennifer Wray

Assistant Deputy Minister & Chief Information Officer, Connected Services BC, Ministry of Citizens’ Services, Government of British Columbia

Daniel Darche

Chief Information Officer Digital Services Branch, Corporate Services Division, Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Government of British Columbia

Christopher Gillespie

Chief Privacy Officer and Director of Privacy & Access, University of Victoria

Chantal Ritcey

Public Sector Industry Lead, AltaML

Rhiannon Stromberg Moderator

Director of Business Consulting, CGI

Public sector transformation depends on leaders who can cut through complexity, align digital goals with policy, and inspire teams to think beyond legacy systems. The challenge lies in doing all this while staying compliant, managing vendors, and ensuring impact at every level.

This session will show how you can apply new approaches on how to lead with clarity and agility to drive efficient, compliant, and scalable tech outcomes.

• Align digital strategy with shifting policies and regulatory frameworks
  
• Embed agile thinking to reshape outdated public sector processes
  
• Manage resources strategically to maximise innovation and delivery
  
• Balance compliance with bold innovation in leadership decisions
  
• Strengthen vendor partnerships to enable smarter, faster technology adoption

Jeff Aitken

Assistant Deputy Minister, OCIO Service Delivery Operations, Ministry of Citizens’ Services, Government of British Columbia

Blair Neufeld

Director General, Client Experience Office, Service Canada

Christina Dentzien

Executive Director, Ministry of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Government of Alberta

Scott McNaughton

Senior Director, Digital Strategy, Ministry of Health, Government of British Columbia

Sarah Wark Moderator

Vice President, Data Analytics and AI, CGI

Roundtable 1: AI in Canadian Public Sector - the shifting landscape for value based AI. Facilitated by Dr. Diane Gutiw, Vice President, Global AI Research Lead, CGI

Roundtable 2: Responsible AI in Action: Building Trust, Transparency, and Public Value. Facilitated by: Chantal Ritcey, Public Sector Industry Lead, AltaML

Roundtable 3: Citizen-centric by Design: from organizational silos to citizen-empowered access. Facilitated by: Jason Owens, VP, Western Canada, Identos

Roundtable 4: From Many Systems to One Experience: AI and the Future of Connected Services. Facilitated by: Aaron Snow, Principal Advisor, International Government Transformation, AWS and Jamie Boyd, Partner, National Central Government Leader, Deloitte

With rapid tech advancements and growing cyber risks, public sector leaders must move beyond cautious adoption and lead with clarity, foresight, and strategy. Staying ahead means guiding teams through innovation with purpose—while protecting trust, privacy, and public value.

This session will help you apply new approaches on how you can lead technology adoption confidently and responsibly in a complex public environment.

• Integrate emerging technologies with long-term strategy and public outcomes
  
• Strengthen leadership capabilities to address cybersecurity threats
  
• Leverage data to enhance service delivery while safeguarding citizen trust
  
• Overcome barriers to adoption with clear direction and inclusive engagement
  
• Inspire innovation while managing public sector risk appetite

Susan Stanford

Assistant Deputy Minister of Connectivity & ICT, Government of British Columbia

Denise Evdokimoff

Executive Lead, Deal Management Office, Ministry of Citizens' Services, Government of British Columbia

Walter Anderson

Chief Information Security Officer, Port of Nanaimo

Dorothy Eng

Chief Executive Officer, Code for Canada

Mark van Engelen Moderator

Vice President, Emerging Technologies, CGI