Digital Leadership Day Federal

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

Governments are under increasing pressure to modernize. Citizens expect seamless, proactive, and personalized services, yet many public sector systems remain siloed and outdated. The Future Government Institute (FGI) is launching to drive real change—providing public sector leaders with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to transform government and deliver citizen-first services.

Governments can’t afford to wait. Join this session to learn how FGI will help shape the future of public sector innovation. This session will:

• Explore the key challenges driving the need for Government 3.0 and beyond
• Introduce FGI’s mission to equip leaders with actionable frameworks and real-world case studies
• Highlight strategies to embed trust, harness emerging technologies, and modernize service delivery
• Provide insights on how global collaboration can accelerate transformation

• 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?

Teresa D’Andrea

Assistant Deputy Minister, Enterprise Platform Services, Shared Services Canada

Paul N. Wagner

Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Digital Service

Christiana Cavazzoni

Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Digital Officer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Kim Steele

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Services and Procurement Canada

Laura Clements

Managing Director -  Public Sector Talent & Organization Lead, Accenture

As fiscal pressure mounts and legacy systems age, federal agencies must rethink how they deliver on their mission. Smart investments in unified platforms can streamline workflows, increase productivity, and meet rising compliance demands without driving up costs. Explore how to modernize infrastructure, reduce IT spend, and keep your workforce focused on outcomes that matter.

• Reduce operational inefficiencies through automated workflows and simplified toolsets
• Transform outdated systems to support secure, compliant digital services
• Increase productivity across departments with connected, scalable solutions
• Advance a future-ready strategy that balances cost, control, and mission delivery

• 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?

Erica Ren

Chief Data Officer, Shared Services Canada

Kate Poirier

Director General, Innovation Canada

Honey Dacanay

Director-General, Digital Policy, Government of Canada

Kentia Dazulma

Chief Data Officer & Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Emile Wandji

Director General, Finance and Administration and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Public Service Commission of Canada

Split into specialized conversation areas and join engaging discussions to dive deeper into your innovation priorities.

Roundtable 1 - The Future of Digital Service Delivery: From Strategy to Scalable Impact Facilitated by Chris Betz, Global Field CISO, Omnissa

Roundtable 2 - Simplifying the Shift: Overcoming Data Complexity in Canada’s AI Evolution Facilitated by Barry Dauber AI Practice Leader, Databricks

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

Roundtable 4 - Trust at Scale: Building Responsible Agentic AI for Federal Services Facilitated by John O'Reilly, Executive Cloud Advisor - Federal & NatSec, AWS Canada

Roundtable 5 - Human-Centered Leadership: Empowering Teams for a Digital Future Facilitated by Laura Clements, Managing Director - Public Sector Talent & Organization Lead, Accenture

Roundtable 6 - Data for Public Good: Connecting Insights Across Government Systems Facilitated by Angela Kovach, Head of Public Sector, ZL Tech.

Roundtable 7 - Responsible AI in Action: Building Trust, Transparency, and Public Value Facilitated by Mike Auger, Sr. Principal - Enterprise Architect, Workday

• 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?

Farhat Khan

Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Public Service Commission | Government of Canada

Dugald Topshee

Director General, Business Solutions Directorate, Transport Canada

Gregory Bunghardt

Director of Cyber Security Policy, Public Safety Canada

Dorothy Eng

Chief Executive Officer, Code for Canada