Ottawa is introducing a newly established federal entity focused on leveraging digital technologies to enhance Canadians’ interactions with government services. The Prime Minister’s Office announced the launch of Digital Transformation Canada, which aims to revolutionize the government’s approach to technology development, procurement, and utilization, among other key objectives. The appointment of Patrick Pichette as the CEO of Digital Transformation Canada was also disclosed.
Pichette, who served as Google’s chief financial officer from 2008 to 2015 and held executive positions at Bell Canada, McKinsey, and Spring Canada, brings extensive expertise in digital transformation, innovation, and organizational change to the initiative, as stated by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The new agency, according to the PMO, will focus on implementing digital solutions, such as artificial intelligence, across government operations to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance digital security and sovereignty. Carney emphasized that by modernizing service delivery, eliminating redundancies, and fostering the growth of Canadian technology companies, the initiative will bolster the economy, enhance outcomes for Canadians, and position Canada as a leader in the digital era.
The agency’s objectives also include empowering public servants with tools to enhance service delivery efficiency and utilizing federal funding to support Canadian AI and digital enterprises in testing, scaling, and commercializing innovative technologies. The oversight of Digital Transformation Canada will be under Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound, with a structure combining Shared Services Canada, segments of the Treasury Board Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada.