Agenda |

Atlantic 2026

Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Digital Leadership Day Atlantic

Government Innovation Showcase Atlantic

 Tuesday, 12 May 2026
7:25AM

Registration, Networking and Light Refreshments

7:25 AM - 8:25 AM (60 mins)

8:25AM

Welcome from Public Sector Network

8:25 AM - 8:30 AM (5 mins)

Kamia Sharma Program Director, Public Sector Network
8:30AM

Welcome from the Chair

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

8:45AM
Ministerial Address

Ministerial Address

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

8:50AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote

Connected Government, Connected Citizens: Digital Services for All

8:50 AM - 9:10 AM (20 mins)

9:15AM
Industry Insights

From Innovation to Impact: Building Capabilities That Last

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

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 - 10:05 AM (30 mins)

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
10:05AM
Industry Insights

Harnessing Emerging Technologies a Digital Future

10:05 AM - 10:25 AM (20 mins)

10:25AM

Refreshment Break

10:25 AM - 11:10 AM (45 mins)

11:10AM
Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Chair Opening

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

11:10AM
Technology, Data & AI Integration

Chair Opening

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

11:10AM
AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Chair Opening

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

11:20AM
Keynote Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Building Digital Talent: Workforce, Culture, and Experience Transformation

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

11:20AM
Keynote Technology, Data & AI Integration

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 AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Governance for the AI Era: Risk, Regulation, and Oversight

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

11:40AM
Panel discussion Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Enhancing Citizen Engagement Through Digital Channels

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

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 Technology, Data & AI Integration

Responsible AI and Analytics: Ethics, Bias, Trust, and Regulation

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

Christopher Clissold Chief Information Officer, Director General IT, IM Administration and Privacy, Department of Veterans Affairs, Government of Canada
11:40AM
Panel discussion AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

AI-Powered Threat Detection and Response: Realities and Readiness

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

12:10PM
Industry Insights Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Industry Insights

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

12:10PM
Industry Insights Technology, Data & AI Integration

Industry Insights

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

12:10PM
Industry Insights AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Industry Insights

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

12:30PM

Networking Lunch

12:30 PM - 1:45 PM (75 mins)

1:45PM
Keynote Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Transforming Government Services: The Platform Advantage

1:45 PM - 2:05 PM (20 mins)

1:45PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote Technology, Data & AI Integration

Accelerating Responsible AI adoption in Government

1:45 PM - 2:05 PM (20 mins)

1:45PM
Keynote AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Cyber Resilience in Public Infrastructure: Protecting What Matters

1:45 PM - 2:05 PM (20 mins)

2:05PM
Industry Insights Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Revamping public engagement in the age of AI

2:05 PM - 2:25 PM (20 mins)

2:05PM
Industry Insights Technology, Data & AI Integration

AI Distraction or Disruption?

2:05 PM - 2:25 PM (20 mins)

2:05PM
Industry Insights AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Industry Insights

2:05 PM - 2:25 PM (20 mins)

2:25PM
Keynote Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Empowering Public Servants for Cyber Resilience

2:25 PM - 2:45 PM (20 mins)

2:25PM
Keynote Technology, Data & AI Integration

Harnessing Data for Healthcare Transformation: Nova Scotia's Journey

2:25 PM - 2:45 PM (20 mins)

Steven Carrigan Senior Director, Data & Analytics, 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
2:25PM
Keynote AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Empowering Public Servants for Cyber Resilience

2:25 PM - 2:45 PM (20 mins)

2:45PM
Industry Insights Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Industry Insights

2:45 PM - 3:05 PM (20 mins)

2:45PM
Industry Insights Technology, Data & AI Integration

Industry Insights

2:45 PM - 3:05 PM (20 mins)

2:45PM
Industry Insights AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Industry Insights

2:45 PM - 3:05 PM (20 mins)

3:05PM
Panel discussion Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Future Trends in Digital Government

3:05 PM - 3:35 PM (30 mins)

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
3:05PM
Panel discussion Technology, Data & AI Integration

Balancing Innovation with Data Governance and Privacy

3:05 PM - 3:35 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
3:05PM
Panel discussion AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Legacy Systems, Digital Risk, and Transition: Securing Modernization

3:05 PM - 3:35 PM (30 mins)

3:35PM
Keynote Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

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

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM (20 mins)

Wendy MacDermott Chief Experience Officer, 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
3:35PM
Keynote Technology, Data & AI Integration

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

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM (20 mins)

3:35PM
Keynote AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Building a Cyber-Aware Workforce: Culture, Capability, and Collaboration

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM (20 mins)

3:55PM
Panel discussion Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Cyber Optimism: Embracing the Benefits of AI and Overcoming Fear

3:55 PM - 4:25 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
3:55PM
Panel discussion Technology, Data & AI Integration

Scaling Innovation: The Vulnerability of our Legacy Applications and Systems

3:55 PM - 4:25 PM (30 mins)

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
3:55PM
Panel discussion AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Privacy and Trust in the Age of AI: Policy, Technology, and Public Confidence

3:55 PM - 4:25 PM (30 mins)

4:25PM
Digital Services, Citizen Experience & AI

Closing Remarks

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

4:25PM
Technology, Data & AI Integration

Closing Remarks

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

4:25PM
AI Cybersecurity, Strategy, Risk & Governance

Closing Remarks

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

4:35PM

Networking Reception

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

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