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Agenda |

Ontario 2026

Government Innovation Showcase Ontario

 Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026
7:50AM

Registration & Networking

7:50 AM - 8:50 AM (60 mins)

8:50AM

Welcome from Public Sector Network

8:50 AM - 9:00 AM (10 mins)

9:00AM

Opening Remarks from the Chair

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

9:20AM
Ministerial Address

Ministerial Address

9:20 AM - 9:30 AM (10 mins)

Hon Stephen Crawford Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Government of Ontario
9:30AM
Industry Insights

Partner Perspective

9:30 AM - 9:50 AM (20 mins)

9:50AM
Keynote

From Strategy to Delivery: Driving Impact Across Government

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

Governments are increasingly challenged to deliver meaningful outcomes while navigating complex priorities, resource constraints, and rising public expectations. This session will explore how public sector leaders are translating strategy into action through effective governance, cross-sector collaboration, and a relentless focus on outcomes.

  • Align strategic priorities, policy objectives, and delivery functions to accelerate implementation and maximize public value
  • Strengthen collaboration across ministries, agencies, and partners to drive coordinated action and achieve shared outcomes
  • Build accountability and measure impact through data-driven decision making, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives
10:10AM
Industry Insights

Partner Perspective

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

10:30AM
Panel discussion

Delivering Public Value in the Digital Era: Leadership, Technology and Outcomes

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (30 mins)

As governments accelerate digital transformation, success is increasingly measured not by technology adoption alone, but by the outcomes delivered to citizens, businesses, and communities. This panel will explore how public sector leaders are leveraging technology, data, and innovation to improve services, drive efficiency, and create lasting public value.

  • Align digital investments with citizen needs, organizational priorities, and measurable outcomes to maximize public value
  • Foster leadership, collaboration, and innovation across government to accelerate transformation and improve service delivery
  • Use data, performance measurement, and continuous improvement to demonstrate impact and guide future decision making
Maud Murray
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Red Tape Reduction, Government of Ontario
John Ostrander
Deputy Minister, Cabinet Office, Public Service Renewal and Lean Excellence, Ontario Public Service
Patricia Kosseim
Commissioner, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
11:00AM

Morning Networking Break

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM (40 mins)

11:40AM
Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Chair Opening

11:40 AM - 11:50 AM (10 mins)

11:40AM
Technology, Data & AI Integration

Chair Opening

11:40 AM - 11:50 AM (10 mins)

11:40AM
AI & Enhanced Productivity

Chair Opening

11:40 AM - 11:50 AM (10 mins)

11:50AM
Keynote Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Modernizing Government Services: Building Simpler, Faster and More Connected Experiences for Ontarians

11:50 AM - 12:10 PM (20 mins)

Beverley Thomas-Barnes Assistant Deputy Minister, Business Experience and Registries Services Division, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Government of Ontario

As citizen expectations continue to evolve, governments are reimagining how services are designed, delivered, and experienced. This session will explore how ServiceOntario and the Government of Ontario are modernizing service delivery through digital innovation, streamlined processes, and a user-centered approach that makes it easier for people and businesses to access the services they need.

  • Simplify service delivery by reducing complexity, streamlining processes, and designing services around user needs and experiences
  • Leverage digital technologies, data, and modern platforms to provide faster, more accessible, and connected government services
  • Build trust and improve outcomes through service modernization initiatives that enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction
11:50AM
Keynote Technology, Data & AI Integration

Integrating Data for Impact: Building Connected Systems for Better Decisions

11:50 AM - 12:10 PM (20 mins)

Gina Johar Senior Vice President, Data and Knowledge Management, Infrastructure Ontario

As governments and public sector organizations generate more data than ever before, the challenge is no longer collecting information but connecting it in ways that drive better decisions and outcomes. This session will explore how integrated data strategies, modern platforms, and strong governance can help organizations break down silos, improve insights, and create greater value for citizens and stakeholders.

  • Build connected data ecosystems that enable better decision making, operational efficiency, and improved service outcomes
  • Strengthen data governance, quality, and accessibility to create a trusted foundation for analytics, AI, and innovation
  • Break down organizational silos by integrating data, technology, and business processes to support more coordinated and informed decisions
11:50AM
Keynote AI & Enhanced Productivity

Reducing Red Tape to Improve Government Productivity

11:50 AM - 12:10 PM (20 mins)

Maud Murray Deputy Minister, Ministry of Red Tape Reduction, Government of Ontario
12:10PM
Industry Insights Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Partner Perspective

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

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

Partner Perspective

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

12:10PM
Industry Insights AI & Enhanced Productivity

Partner Perspective

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

12:30PM
Panel discussion Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Breaking Silos in Service Delivery: Making Integration Work in Practice

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM (30 mins)

Sumon Acharjee Chief Information Officer, City of Markham
Janet Ihm Vice President, Channel Strategy & Digital Experience, Ontario Cannabis Store

People expect seamless experiences, yet many organizations continue to operate across disconnected systems, teams, and processes. This panel will explore how leaders are breaking down organizational and technology silos to create more integrated, user-centered services that improve both outcomes and experiences.

  • Connect people, processes, and technology to deliver seamless and consistent experiences across channels and services
  • Overcome organizational, data, and system silos that limit collaboration, efficiency, and service effectiveness
  • Leverage integration, shared platforms, and user-centered design to improve service delivery and create better outcomes for people and businesses
12:30PM
Panel discussion Technology, Data & AI Integration

Rethinking Service Delivery: Using Data and Intelligent Systems to Improve Speed, Quality, and Accessibility

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM (30 mins)

Marwan Afara Director, Information Technology, iGaming Ontario

Organizations are increasingly using data, automation, and intelligent systems to transform how services are delivered. As expectations for speed, quality, and accessibility continue to rise, leaders must find ways to leverage technology while ensuring services remain user-focused, trusted, and inclusive.

  • Harness data, analytics, and intelligent systems to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and decision making
  • Use automation and AI to streamline processes, reduce friction, and create faster, more responsive service experiences
  • Design accessible and user-centered services that balance innovation, trust, and equitable access for all users and communities
12:30PM
Panel discussion AI & Enhanced Productivity

Empowering Workforce Through Technology Integration

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM (30 mins)

Samir Wissa Chief Information Security Officer, MGH & Sinai Health
Mohammad Reghabi Vice‑President, Digital and Data Services, Ontario One Call

As organizations adopt AI, automation, and digital tools at scale, the focus is shifting from technology implementation to workforce enablement. Success depends on equipping employees with the skills, tools, and support needed to work differently, improve productivity, and deliver greater value in an increasingly digital environment.

  • Empower employees with AI, automation, and digital tools that enhance productivity, decision making, and day-to-day work
  • Build workforce readiness through change management, digital skills development, and responsible technology adoption practices
  • Create a culture of innovation where technology augments human capability while improving organizational performance and service outcomes
1:00PM

Networking Lunch

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (60 mins)

2:00PM
Case Study Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

From Voice to Value: Turning Citizen Feedback into Action with AI

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM (20 mins)

Sasha Fay Director, Advanced Analytics, OLG
Tony Feng Senior Manager, Advanced Analytics, OLG

Organizations collect vast amounts of feedback every day, yet transforming those insights into meaningful action remains a challenge. This case study will explore how advanced analytics and AI can help organizations better understand customer needs, identify emerging trends, and translate feedback into measurable improvements in products, services, and experiences.

  • Leverage AI and advanced analytics to analyze large volumes of feedback and uncover actionable insights at scale
  • Identify emerging trends, pain points, and customer needs to support faster and more informed decision making
  • Turn insights into measurable improvements by embedding feedback into service design, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives
2:00PM
Keynote Technology, Data & AI Integration

Building the Foundation for Enterprise AI: From Cloud-Native Data to Real-World Impact

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM (20 mins)

Fartash Haghani Director of Enterprise Data and AI, City of Toronto

Organizations are increasingly looking to move beyond AI experimentation and toward enterprise-wide adoption that delivers measurable outcomes. Success depends on building the right foundations including modern data platforms, cloud-native architectures, strong governance, and trusted data ecosystems that can support AI at scale.

  • Build the data, cloud, and governance foundations required to enable scalable, secure, and responsible AI adoption across the enterprise
  • Break down data silos and improve data quality, accessibility, and interoperability to support advanced analytics and AI-driven decision making
  • Translate AI investments into real-world impact by aligning technology capabilities with business priorities, operational needs, and measurable outcomes
2:00PM
Keynote AI & Enhanced Productivity

Measuring Productivity in the Age of AI: What Does Success Actually Look Like?

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM (20 mins)

Dr Christopher Parsons Director, Research and Technology Policy, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

As AI becomes embedded in everyday work, traditional measures of productivity are being challenged. While automation can reduce effort and accelerate tasks, public sector leaders must also consider quality, trust, employee experience, and outcomes when defining success. This session will explore how governments can evaluate the real impact of AI and build meaningful frameworks for measuring value.

  • Move beyond traditional productivity metrics to assess the broader impact of AI on outcomes, service quality, and workforce effectiveness
  • Balance efficiency gains with considerations around transparency, accountability, privacy, and public trust
  • Develop practical approaches to measuring AI success that align with organizational goals, employee experience, and long-term public value
2:20PM
Industry Insights Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Partner Perspective

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM (20 mins)

2:20PM
Industry Insights Technology, Data & AI Integration

Partner Perspective

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM (20 mins)

2:20PM
Industry Insights AI & Enhanced Productivity

Partner Perspective

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM (20 mins)

2:40PM
Fireside Chat Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Inside a Service Transformation: Lessons from the Front Line

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM (20 mins)

Service transformation is rarely a linear journey. Behind every modernization effort are difficult decisions, competing priorities, organizational change, and lessons learned along the way. This fireside chat will provide a candid look at the realities of transforming services at scale and the practical insights gained from leading change from the front line.

  • Explore the key decisions, challenges, and lessons learned while delivering large-scale service transformation initiatives
  • Examine how leadership, culture, and stakeholder engagement influence the success of modernization efforts
  • Identify practical strategies for sustaining momentum, managing change, and delivering measurable outcomes in complex environments
2:40PM
Fireside Chat Technology, Data & AI Integration

From Systems to Ecosystems: Rethinking Government Technology Architecture

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM (20 mins)

As governments modernize digital services and embrace data and AI, traditional technology architectures are evolving into interconnected ecosystems that span ministries, agencies, partners, and platforms. This fireside chat will explore how leaders are building flexible, scalable, and interoperable foundations that enable innovation while maintaining security, governance, and resilience.

  • Explore how modern technology architectures are evolving from standalone systems to connected ecosystems that enable collaboration and innovation
  • Examine the role of interoperability, shared platforms, data integration, and cloud technologies in supporting future-ready government services
  • Balance agility, security, governance, and scalability while building technology foundations that can adapt to changing needs and emerging technologies
2:40PM
Keynote AI & Enhanced Productivity

Responsible AI Adoption: Implications for Skills and the Workplace

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM (20 mins)

Dr. Wendy Cukier Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), Academic Research Director of the Future Skills Centre

AI is changing more than individual tasks it is reshaping how work is organized, how teams collaborate, and how leaders drive performance. As public sector organizations integrate AI into everyday operations, success will depend on creating cultures that embrace innovation while ensuring employees remain empowered, trusted, and equipped for the future.

  • Explore how AI is transforming roles, workflows, and decision-making across the public service, creating new opportunities for productivity and impact
  • Build a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and responsible innovation to support workforce transformation at scale
  • Lead the transition to an augmented workforce by balancing technology adoption with employee empowerment, trust, and organizational readiness
3:00PM
Industry Insights Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Partner Perspective

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM (20 mins)

3:00PM
Industry Insights Technology, Data & AI Integration

Partner Perspective

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM (20 mins)

3:00PM
Industry Insights AI & Enhanced Productivity

Partner Perspective

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM (20 mins)

3:20PM
Panel discussion Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Future Trends in Digital Government

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

Marwan Afara Director, Information Technology, iGaming Ontario

Emerging technologies, evolving public expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver better outcomes are reshaping the future of government. From AI and automation to digital identity, data-driven decision making, and connected services, leaders must prepare for a rapidly changing landscape while ensuring trust, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

  • Explore the technologies, trends, and innovations that will shape the next generation of government services and operations
  • Examine how AI, data, automation, and digital platforms are transforming service delivery, workforce models, and decision-making processes
  • Prepare for the future by building adaptable, resilient, and user-centered digital ecosystems that can respond to evolving needs and expectations
3:20PM
Panel discussion Technology, Data & AI Integration

AI Ethics in Action: Balancing Innovation and Accountability in Government

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

Sumon Acharjee Chief Information Officer, City of Markham
Olivera Zatezalo CISO & VP, Cyber and IT Security, Ontario Power Generation

As governments accelerate the adoption of AI, leaders must balance the opportunities for innovation with the responsibility to ensure transparency, fairness, security, and public trust. This panel will explore how organizations are operationalizing ethical AI principles while enabling innovation and delivering meaningful outcomes.

  • Establish governance frameworks that promote responsible AI adoption while ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance
  • Address emerging risks related to privacy, cybersecurity, bias, explainability, and the use of AI in decision-making processes
  • Build public trust by embedding ethical considerations, human oversight, and risk management throughout the AI lifecycle
3:20PM
Panel discussion AI & Enhanced Productivity

From Manual to Modern: How AI is Transforming Productivity

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

Priya Mouli Chief Information Security Officer, University of Alberta
Justin Alerta Director (A), Strategic Initiatives Branch, Labour Relations Solutions Division, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Ontario Public Service

AI is reshaping how work gets done across the public sector, enabling teams to automate routine tasks, streamline workflows, and focus on higher-value activities. As adoption accelerates, leaders must understand how to translate technological capabilities into measurable productivity gains while supporting employees through change.

  • Identify opportunities to use AI and automation to reduce manual effort, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of work across the public service
  • Explore how AI is transforming workflows, decision-making, and service delivery while augmenting rather than replacing human expertise
  • Enable sustainable productivity gains through workforce readiness, change management, governance, and responsible AI adoption practices
3:50PM
Service Delivery, User Experience and AI

Closing Remarks

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM (10 mins)

3:50PM
Technology, Data & AI Integration

Closing Remarks

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM (10 mins)

3:50PM
AI & Enhanced Productivity

Closing Remarks

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM (10 mins)

4:00PM

Expo Hall

Networking Drinks Reception

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (60 mins)

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