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Agenda

Digital Leadership Day Federal

 Tuesday, 23 Feb 2027

Sessions

8:00AM

Registration and Networking

8:00 AM - 9:20 AM (80 mins)

9:15AM

Opening from Public Sector Network

9:15 AM - 9:25 AM (10 mins)

Andrew Jensen
Co-Founder & Chief Partnerships Officer, Public Sector Network
9:25AM
Keynote

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

9:25 AM - 9:35 AM (10 mins)

9:35AM
Keynote

Moving from Government 2.0 to 3.0: Embedding Responsible AI, Data, and Leadership into Digital Government

9:35 AM - 9:55 AM (20 mins)

Canada’s path to Government 3.0 demands more than isolated digital upgrades, it calls for a connected system where leadership, data, AI, and trust are embedded into every layer of service and policy delivery. Insights from the Research Innovation Council have made it clear: government leaders need a blueprint that links digital ambition with operational execution, backed by ethical AI, modern data practices, and accountable leadership.

This session will show how you can apply new approaches to move from fragmented 2.0 projects to resilient, people-centered 3.0 systems that deliver real outcomes.

  • Embed responsible AI and data stewardship across programs, not just pilots
  • Align leadership strategies with citizen-first delivery, open standards, and measurable outcomes
  • Use Research Innovation Council insights to close collaboration gaps between government, academia, and industry
  • Transform legacy systems into connected digital platforms that improve trust, transparency, and access
9:55AM
Industry Insights

Partner Perspective

9:55 AM - 10:15 AM (20 mins)

10:15AM
Panel Discussion

Leading Through Complexity: People Strategy in Tech

10:15 AM - 11:05 AM (50 mins)

Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Digital Service
Kim Steele
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Chief Data Officer & Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Christiana Cavazzoni
Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Digital Officer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • 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?
11:05AM

Morning Networking Break

11:05 AM - 11:35 AM (30 mins)

11:35AM
Keynote

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

11:35 AM - 11:45 AM (10 mins)

11:45AM
Industry Insights

Partner Perspective

11:45 AM - 12:05 PM (20 mins)

12:05PM
Panel Discussion

Strategic Leadership: Streamlining Processes for Digital Excellence

12:05 PM - 12:55 PM (50 mins)

Philippe Thompson
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Indigenous Services Canada
Emile Wandji
Director General, Finance and Administration and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Public Service Commission of Canada
Principal, Engagement Leader, Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Anthony Sheehan
Chief Digital Officer, Public Safety Canada
Zepporah Toh
Director General, Enterprise AI, Public Services and Procurement Canada
  • How can tech leaders align digital initiatives with governmental policies while leading through bureaucratic complexities?
  • In the role of a leader, how do you instill 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 maximize impact in tech projects?
  • How should leaders approach vendor relationships to cultivate fruitful partnerships that drive technological advancement?
12:55PM

Networking Lunch

12:55 PM - 1:55 PM (60 mins)

1:55PM
Roundtables

Interactive Roundtable Sessions

1:55 PM - 2:55 PM (60 mins)

Pick your topic. Pull up a seat and join a 60‑minute interactive discussion with your government peers. Facilitated by an industry expert, you’ll share challenges and swap practical approaches within the topic area. Take this opportunity to benchmark what good looks like, pressure-test ideas, and workshop next steps together.

Roundtable 1 - The Future of Digital Service Delivery: From Strategy to Scalable Impact

Roundtable 2 - Simplifying the Shift: Overcoming Data Complexity in Canada’s AI Evolution

Roundtable 3 - Securing Digital Transformation: Innovating Payments to Improve Efficiency and Public Value

Roundtable 4 - Trust at Scale: Building Responsible Agentic AI for Federal Services

Roundtable 5 - Human-Centered Leadership: Empowering Teams for a Digital Future

Roundtable 6 - Data for Public Good: Connecting Insights Across Government Systems

Roundtable 7 - Responsible AI in Action: Building Trust, Transparency, and Public Value

2:55PM

Short Break

2:55 PM - 3:05 PM (10 mins)

3:05PM
Keynote

Welcome from Event Chair: Summary of Session Two and Intro Session Three – Technology

3:05 PM - 3:15 PM (10 mins)

3:15PM
Industry Insights

Partner Perspective

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM (20 mins)

3:35PM
Panel Discussion

Visionary Leadership: Navigating the Technological Landscape

3:35 PM - 4:25 PM (50 mins)

Director General, Canada Sovereign Technology Strategy, Technology and Strategy Branch, Shared Services Canada
Samantha Zahra Rahim
Vice President, Technology and Data, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation
Vidya ShankarNarayan
Assistant Deputy Minister, Digital Services - Transformation & Chief Digital Transformation Officer, National Defence, Government of Canada
Erica Ren
Chief Data Officer, Shared Services Canada
Chief, Enterprise Information Management, Corporate Services Sector, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
  • As a 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?
4:25PM

Closing Remarks

4:25 PM - 4:35 PM (10 mins)

4:35PM

Networking Reception

4:35 PM - 5:35 PM (60 mins)

Questions?

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Ready to register?

Digital Leadership Day is an event for senior government executives. To request an invitation, please email [email protected] all requests will be subject to approval.