Agenda

Wed 18 Jun 2025

View event details
7:30AM

Registration & Networking

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM (60 mins)

8:30AM

Welcome from Chair

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM (15 mins)

8:45AM
Ministerial Address

Ministerial Address

8:45 AM - 8:50 AM (5 mins)

Honourable Jill Balser Minister of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia
8:50AM

Keynote Introduction

8:50 AM - 8:55 AM (5 mins)

Arlene Williams Associate Deputy Minister, Chief Digital Officer, Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia
8:55AM
Keynote

Digital First: How Estonia Built Citizen-Centric Services through Data and Innovation

8:55 AM - 9:15 AM (20 mins)

Ott Velsberg Chief Data Officer, Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, Government of Estonia

Estonia is widely recognized as a global leader in digital government, setting the benchmark for how to use data and innovation to serve citizens better. Its journey offers critical lessons for regions aiming to modernize public services with speed, security, and simplicity.

This session will explore Estonia’s digital-first transformation and apply new approaches on how you can enhance service delivery by designing secure, user-centric, and data-informed government systems.

  • Transform public service design through a digital-first mindset
  • Optimize the role of data to drive innovation and decision-making
  • Improve service accessibility and usability for citizens
  • Increase security while maintaining system efficiency
  • Adapt best practices from Estonia’s digital leadership journey
9:15AM
Industry Insights

From Innovation to Impact: Building Capabilities That Last

9:15 AM - 9:35 AM (20 mins)

Paul Eisner President, Mariner Innovations

Innovation is about more than modernization — it’s about creating meaningful outcomes for people. This session will explore how innovation can improve access to services, empower teams with better tools and insights, and turn complexity into clarity — ultimately transforming challenges into opportunities.

The most impactful innovations happen when people, processes, and technology evolve together. Effective approaches focus not only on delivering solutions but also on enabling teams to adopt and scale them for lasting impact.

Whether accelerating data maturity, leveraging artificial intelligence, fostering a digital-first culture, or embedding service excellence into everyday operations, the foundation remains the same: building better futures powered by people — the teams who deliver services, the citizens who rely on them, and the communities they support.

Key Takeaways:

  • How aligning innovation with citizen needs unlocks productivity gains
  • The value of enabling teams to lead their own transformation
  • The impact of combining human-centered design, data-driven decisions, and embedded capability
  • Why long-term success relies on co-creation with partners who prioritize people, outcomes, and community investment
9:35AM
Panel discussion

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Citizen Experience

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

Wendy MacDermott Chief Experience Officer, Department of Social Development, Government of New Brunswick
Alessandro Alves Chief Information Officer, Government of Manitoba

As citizen expectations evolve, public sector leaders must harness technology to deliver services that are intuitive, responsive, and human-centered. From AI to automation, the right tools—used the right way—can transform how people interact with government.

This session will explore how to leverage digital capabilities to improve public service delivery and apply new approaches on how you can create trusted, accessible, and user-focused experiences for every citizen.

  • Create more seamless and intuitive public-facing digital services
  • Overcome barriers to successful implementation of citizen-centric tech
  • Leverage data and AI to personalize and improve citizen engagement
  • Build digital trust through transparent and responsive service models
  • Adapt solutions that reflect the diverse needs of today’s communities
10:10AM
Industry Insights

Harnessing Emerging Technologies a Digital Future

10:10 AM - 10:30 AM (20 mins)

  • Explore the latest emerging technologies shaping the future of digital transformation.
  • Learn how to strategically adopt and integrate new innovations for long-term success.
  • Discover key trends and opportunities to stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape.
10:30AM

Refreshment Break

10:30 AM - 11:10 AM (40 mins)

11:10AM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

Chair Opening

11:10 AM - 11:20 AM (10 mins)

11:10AM
Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Chair Opening

11:10 AM - 11:20 AM (10 mins)

11:10AM
Cyber

Chair Opening

11:10 AM - 11:20 AM (10 mins)

11:20AM
Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Accelerating the Journey: Making It Faster for Citizens to Book Their Road Test

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM (20 mins)

Victoria Horne Executive Director, Registry Motor Vehicle Modernization, Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia

Booking a road test is a critical service that directly shapes citizen perceptions of digital government. In Nova Scotia, the RMV modernization team is transforming this experience by focusing on speed, clarity, and user need.

This session will explore how to redesign essential services through user-led thinking and apply new approaches on how you can streamline service delivery to meet citizen expectations in real time.

  • Learn how the RMV team is making it simpler, clearer, and faster for citizens to book and take their road test.
  • See how user journey mapping helped identify pain points and improve the booking experience.
  • Discover how user-centered design is reducing wait times to just three weeks.

11:20AM
Keynote Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Navigating the Digital Frontier: GNB’s Approach to AI and Innovation

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM (20 mins)

Tony Daye Chief Digital Officer, Finance and Treasury Board, Government of New Brunswick

As governments accelerate their adoption of AI and emerging technologies, building trust through transparency and governance becomes essential. The Government of New Brunswick is setting the pace by embedding accountability and ethics into every layer of innovation.

This session will explore how to scale digital innovation responsibly and apply new approaches on how you can embed safety, transparency, and collaboration into your tech strategy from day one.

  • Advance AI adoption through clear and accountable governance
  • Reduce risk by integrating ethical safeguards into innovation processes
  • Build secure digital services rooted in citizen trust and transparency
  • Improve cross-agency coordination to align innovation with oversight
  • Scale transformative technologies with control and confidence
11:20AM
Keynote Cyber

Government Response to Data Breaches: Privacy Lessons Learned and Best Practices

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM (20 mins)

Arilea Sill Chief Information Access and Privacy Officer, Province of Nova Scotia
Kathy Hartlen Manager, Privacy Program Information Access and Privacy Services, Service Nova Scotia

With the rising frequency of data breaches, governments must be prepared to act swiftly and transparently to protect citizen information. How agencies respond can define public trust—and reveal key opportunities for future resilience.

This session will explore how to navigate breach response with clarity and apply new approaches on how you can strengthen privacy protocols and build a proactive culture of data protection.

  • Respond to data breaches with effective, compliant protocols
  • Mitigate risk through proactive privacy and information management
  • Apply lessons learned from high-profile public sector breach responses
  • Increase internal readiness through clear governance and staff training
  • Improve public confidence through transparent communication strategies
11:40AM
Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Enhancing Citizen Engagement Through Digital Channels

11:40 AM - 12:10 PM (30 mins)

Alessandro Alves Chief Information Officer, Government of Manitoba
Valerie Kelly Director of Digital Transformation, Department of Social Development, Government of New Brunswick

As digital touchpoints become the primary way citizens interact with government, agencies must rethink how they design and deliver these experiences. Personalization, accessibility, and innovation are key to creating meaningful, inclusive engagement at scale.

This session will explore how to strengthen citizen relationships through digital channels and apply new approaches on how you can design interactions that reflect community needs and drive lasting participation.

  • Increase citizen engagement through targeted digital strategies
  • Personalize online experiences to serve diverse populations
  • Leverage social media, mobile platforms, and AI to expand reach
  • Improve digital accessibility to reduce participation barriers
  • Adapt engagement models to reflect real-time community feedback
11:40AM
Panel discussion Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Overcoming Challenges in IT Modernization Projects

11:40 AM - 12:10 PM (30 mins)

Modernizing IT infrastructure is critical for government agility, but the path is rarely straightforward. Leaders must navigate legacy systems, evolving demands, and organizational resistance while keeping long-term transformation goals in sight.

This session will explore how to address the complexity of modernization efforts and apply new approaches on how you can lead successful transitions that are resilient, scalable, and future-ready.

  • Identify and overcome common barriers to IT modernization
  • Balance innovation with operational constraints of legacy systems
  • Improve coordination across departments to support change management
  • Increase modernization success through strategic planning and stakeholder alignment
  • Adapt modernization strategies to sustain long-term system value
Christopher Clissold
Chief Information Officer, Director General IT, IM Administration and Privacy, Department of Veterans Affairs, Government of Canada
Ott Velsberg
Chief Data Officer, Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, Government of Estonia
Stewart Hyman
Chief Technology Officer, Kyndryl Canada
11:40AM
Panel discussion Cyber

Cyber Optimism: Embracing the Benefits of AI and Overcoming Fear

11:40 AM - 12:10 PM (30 mins)

AI presents game-changing opportunities for cybersecurity, but its adoption is often slowed by fear, uncertainty, and ethical concerns. Public sector leaders must shift the narrative—seeing AI not as a risk, but as a strategic asset in protecting systems and serving citizens.

This session will explore how to balance innovation and caution in AI adoption and apply new approaches on how you can foster a cyber culture that embraces opportunity while safeguarding trust.

  • Harness AI to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and resilience
  • Address ethical risks and governance issues early in implementation
  • Dispel myths and misconceptions around AI in the public sector
  • Improve internal confidence through education and transparent communication
  • Foster a forward-looking mindset that sees AI as a tool, not a threat
Matthew Murphy
Chief Data Officer, Nova Scotia Health
Olesia Kazantseva
Senior Technical Advisor, Chief Technology Officer Branch, Shared Services Canada
Dorothy Eng
Chief Executive Officer, Code for Canada
12:10PM
Industry Insights Digital Services and Customer Experience

Next-Gen Customer Experience Solutions

12:10 PM - 12:30 PM (20 mins)

  • Explore innovative technologies transforming customer experience in the digital era.
  • Learn how AI, automation, and data analytics enhance personalization and engagement.
  • Discover strategies to create seamless, efficient, and customer-centric digital solutions.
12:10PM
Industry Insights Data, AI, & IT Modernization

AI Tools for Data-Driven Governance

12:10 PM - 12:30 PM (20 mins)

  • Discover how AI enhances decision-making and policy development through data insights.
  • Learn how governments can leverage AI to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
  • Explore real-world applications of AI in driving smarter, data-driven governance.

12:10PM
Industry Insights Cyber

Unraveling the Realm of Cyber Crime: Confronting Advanced Cyber Threats

12:10 PM - 12:30 PM (20 mins)

  • Explore the latest trends in cybercrime and the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
  • Learn how organizations can proactively detect, prevent, and respond to advanced cyber threats.
  • Discover strategies for strengthening cybersecurity resilience in an increasingly digital world.
12:30PM

Networking Lunch

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (60 mins)

1:00PM
Tech Talk

AI Agents and Google Agentspace Introduction

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM (15 mins)

Benoit Pasteau Customer Engineer, Google Cloud

Spend 15 minutes with us and learn how Google Agentspace uses AI agents to break down data silos, automate tasks, and sharpen decision-making—helping you better serve your employees and the public You will see:

    • Why Agentspace?
    • What are the core capabilities?
    • Next Step: Live Demo will be available at the Google Cloud Booth.
1:30PM
Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Transforming Government Services: The Platform Advantage

1:30 PM - 1:50 PM (20 mins)

Jason Hopkins Executive Director, Digital Platform Services Division, Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia

As citizen expectations rise, governments must move beyond one-off digital tools toward scalable platforms that deliver speed, consistency, and user-focused design. Nova Scotia is leading the way, shifting from paper-based systems to seamless, digital-first services.

This session will explore how to drive service innovation through platform thinking and apply new approaches on how you can deliver faster, smarter, and more unified digital experiences for citizens.

  • Transition from physical credentials to secure digital wallets
  • Improve service speed and consistency through shared digital platforms
  • Increase agility by standardizing development across departments
  • Amplify value through reusable tech assets and scalable delivery models
  • Enhance citizen satisfaction with cohesive, digital-first interactions
1:30PM
Keynote panel Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Accelerating Responsible AI adoption in Government

1:30 PM - 1:50 PM (20 mins)

Josh Weston Director, Data Strategy, Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia
Jill Casey Executive Director Data Management, Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia

As artificial intelligence becomes a core tool in public service delivery, governments face mounting pressure to innovate without compromising ethics, trust, or control. Success hinges on embedding responsibility into every stage of AI development and deployment.

This session will explore how to advance AI initiatives with integrity and apply new approaches on how you can build governance frameworks that support innovation while protecting public interest.

  • Examine global trends shaping AI policy and regulation
  • Understand the risks and rewards of public sector AI adoption
  • Create ethical AI frameworks rooted in transparency and accountability
  • Balance experimentation with responsible implementation
  • Increase cross-departmental alignment to scale trusted AI solutions
1:30PM
Keynote Cyber

Empowering Public Servants for Cyber Resilience

1:30 PM - 1:50 PM (20 mins)

Kevin Martin Executive Director, Cyber Security and Risk Management, Department of Cyber Security & Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia

Cybersecurity isn't just a technology issue—it's a people issue. Public servants are the first line of defense, and building resilience starts with empowering them through education, awareness, and shared responsibility.

This session will explore how to cultivate a security-first culture and apply new approaches on how you can reduce risk by equipping employees with the tools, training, and mindset to protect public systems.

  • Examine the role of public servants in frontline cyber defense
  • Strengthen awareness through targeted training and engagement
  • Reduce vulnerabilities by embedding security into daily practices
  • Foster a workplace culture grounded in vigilance and accountability
  • Improve organizational readiness through staff empowerment and leadership buy-in
1:50PM
Industry Insights Digital Services and Customer Experience

Innovative Tools for Digital Service Improvement

1:50 PM - 2:10 PM (20 mins)

  • Identify cutting-edge tools that enhance the efficiency and accessibility of digital services.
  • Learn how automation, AI, and data analytics are transforming service delivery.
  • Gain insights into best practices for optimizing user experience in the digital era.
1:50PM
Industry Insights Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Advanced Analytics Solutions for Public Sector

1:50 PM - 2:10 PM (20 mins)

  • Uncover how advanced analytics is driving data-driven decision-making in the public sector.
  • Learn how predictive modeling and AI can improve efficiency and service delivery.
  • Explore real-world examples of governments leveraging analytics for better public outcomes.
1:50PM
Industry Insights Cyber

Optimizing Cybersecurity Throughout Your Cloud Journey

1:50 PM - 2:10 PM (20 mins)

  • Understand the key cybersecurity risks and challenges in cloud adoption.
  • Learn best practices for securing data, applications, and workloads in the cloud.
  • Discover strategies to build a resilient, compliant, and threat-ready cloud environment.
2:10PM
Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

The Power of a Client-Centered Approach: Transforming Service Delivery for Citizens

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM (20 mins)

Wendy MacDermott Chief Experience Officer, Department of Social Development, Government of New Brunswick
Valerie Kelly Director of Digital Transformation, Department of Social Development, Government of New Brunswick

Citizens expect services that are fast, easy, and designed with their needs in mind. By putting people first, governments can build trust, improve satisfaction, and deliver better outcomes across every touchpoint.

This session will explore how to lead with empathy in digital transformation and apply new approaches on how you can use client-centered thinking to enhance access, speed, and equity in service delivery.

  • Redesign services around real citizen needs and behaviours
  • Leverage data to personalize and accelerate service interactions
  • Reduce access barriers through inclusive, human-centered design
  • Improve satisfaction and trust through responsive digital delivery
  • Increase operational efficiency while enhancing citizen experience
2:10PM
Keynote Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Harnessing Data for Healthcare Transformation: Nova Scotia's Journey

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM (20 mins)

Matthew Murphy Chief Data Officer, Nova Scotia Health

Nova Scotia is leading a data-driven shift in healthcare, proving that timely insights can radically improve care delivery, system efficiency, and patient outcomes. With a focus on interoperability and analytics, the province is setting a new benchmark for health innovation.

This session will explore how to unlock the full potential of health data and apply new approaches on how you can enhance care quality, streamline operations, and enable smarter decision-making through AI and real-time insights.

  • Use real-time data to improve patient care and system responsiveness
  • Increase interoperability to support care coordination and collaboration
  • Leverage AI and analytics for predictive and personalized healthcare
  • Enhance transparency and trust through accessible health data
  • Optimize data governance to support innovation and compliance
2:10PM
Keynote Cyber

Building Cyber Resilience: Strategy for a Secure Digital Government

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM (20 mins)

As digital services expand, so do cyber risks—and governments must act decisively to protect critical systems and citizen data. Manitoba is advancing a strategic, whole-of-government approach that integrates threat detection, rapid response, and a culture of awareness.

This session will explore how to build cyber resilience from the ground up and apply new approaches on how you can strengthen defenses, reduce risk, and embed security into every layer of digital government.

  • Manage evolving cyber threats while enabling digital transformation
  • Strengthen detection and response capabilities through modern tools and training
  • Apply insights from recent cybersecurity initiatives across departments
  • Build a proactive, security-aware culture across the public workforce
  • Improve risk posture through integrated governance and strategy
2:30PM
Industry Insights Digital Services and Customer Experience

Leveraging Digital Tools for Better Citizen Experience

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM (20 mins)

  • Discover how digital tools can streamline public services and enhance citizen engagement.
  • Learn how governments are using technology to create more accessible and efficient experiences.
  • Explore innovative approaches to improving user satisfaction through digital transformation.
2:30PM
Industry Insights Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Data Integration and Security Solutions

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM (20 mins)

  • Understand the importance of seamless data integration for secure and efficient operations.
  • Learn strategies to protect sensitive data while enabling real-time access and collaboration.
  • Explore cutting-edge solutions that balance security, compliance, and interoperability.
2:30PM
Industry Insights Cyber

AI and Machine Learning for Security Threat Identification

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM (20 mins)

  • Discover how AI and machine learning enhance threat detection and response in cybersecurity.
  • Learn how predictive analytics can identify vulnerabilities before they become critical risks.
  • Explore real-world applications of AI-driven security solutions in mitigating cyber threats.
2:50PM
Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Future Trends in Digital Government

2:50 PM - 3:20 PM (30 mins)

Matt Spurway Executive Director, GEO Nova Scotia
Tony Daye Chief Digital Officer, Finance and Treasury Board, Government of New Brunswick

The future of digital government will be shaped by rapid technological change, rising citizen expectations, and the growing demand for data-driven decision-making. To stay ahead, public sector leaders must embrace innovation while upholding trust, agility, and compliance.

This session will explore what’s next for digital government and apply new approaches on how you can future-proof services by integrating emerging tech, citizen insights, and secure, adaptive systems.

  • Identify the technologies set to redefine public sector service delivery
  • Improve agility and responsiveness without compromising on security
  • Leverage data to drive real-time insights and smarter policy decisions
  • Build services that evolve with citizen needs and expectations
  • Adapt leadership strategies to support innovation at scale
2:50PM
Panel discussion Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Balancing Innovation with Data Governance and Privacy

2:50 PM - 3:20 PM (30 mins)

As governments push forward with data-driven innovation, they face the complex challenge of protecting privacy without slowing progress. Strong governance is no longer a barrier—it's a foundation for responsible, scalable transformation.

This session will explore how to innovate confidently within a privacy-first framework and apply new approaches on how you can unlock data’s value while safeguarding trust and compliance.

  • Drive innovation without compromising on data security and ethics
  • Overcome challenges in balancing accessibility with compliance
  • Strengthen governance to support responsible data use at scale
  • Enhance privacy through advanced technologies and architecture
  • Improve stakeholder trust through transparent data management practices
Andrea Muenster
Senior Director, Care Coordination Centre (C3), Nova Scotia Health
Stephanie LeBlanc
Senior Manager Information & Technology, Halifax Water
Olesia Kazantseva
Senior Technical Advisor, Chief Technology Officer Branch, Shared Services Canada
2:50PM
Panel discussion Cyber

Scaling Innovation: The Vulnerability of our Legacy Applications and Systems

2:50 PM - 3:20 PM (30 mins)

Dorothy Eng Chief Executive Officer, Code for Canada

Legacy systems pose a growing risk to cybersecurity and operational resilience as innovation accelerates. To scale safely and effectively, public sector leaders must modernize infrastructure while maintaining service continuity and protecting critical data.

This session will explore how to reduce the risks of legacy tech and apply new approaches on how you can upgrade systems securely and transition to modern, scalable digital environments.

  • Identify and address the security risks of outdated infrastructure
  • Minimize disruption while modernizing legacy applications
  • Improve resilience through phased, secure modernization strategies
  • Align innovation with long-term operational stability
  • Strengthen digital foundations to support future growth and security
3:20PM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

Closing Remarks

3:20 PM - 3:30 PM (10 mins)

3:20PM
Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Closing Remarks

3:20 PM - 3:30 PM (10 mins)

3:20PM
Cyber

Closing Remarks

3:20 PM - 3:30 PM (10 mins)

3:30PM

Networking Reception

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM (60 mins)

Questions?

See our FAQs or get in touch

Ready to register?

Registration is free for government

Ready to sponsor?

Limited packages available