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Agenda

Wed 18 Jun 2025

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Digital Services and Customer ExperienceData, AI, & IT Modernization
7:25AM

Cineplex Foyer - Upper Level Lobby

Registration, Networking and Light Refreshments

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

8:25AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Welcome from Public Sector Network

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

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

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Welcome from the Chair: Palo Alto

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

Tony Olsen Canada Critical Infrastructure Lead, Palo Alto
8:45AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote

Keynote Address

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

Rick Burns Ministerial Assistant for the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Government of Nova Scotia
8:50AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

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

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

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

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

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

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

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
Wendy MacDermott
Chief Experience Officer, Department of Social Development, Government of New Brunswick
Alessandro Alves
Chief Information Officer, Government of Manitoba
Dr. Julie Maranda
Chief Medical Information Officer, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Patrick Hamel
Systems Engineer Manager, Palo Alto Networks
10:05AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Industry Insights

Harnessing Emerging Technologies a Digital Future

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

Kristen Leroux Canada Leader President, and Managing Director, DXC Canada
Matthew Ono GIS Strategic Sales Leader, DXC Canada

  • 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.
10:25AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote

OPOR by Design: Building Resilient and Trusted Health Systems

10:25 AM - 10:45 AM (20 mins)

Jamey Martell Senior Director, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Dr. Julie Maranda Chief Medical Information Officer, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority

As healthcare systems modernize, building trust and resilience into their foundation is essential—not optional. Nova Scotia’s One Person One Record (OPOR) initiative is a defining example of how large-scale transformation can succeed when governance, security, and user needs are embedded from day one.

This session will explore how Nova Scotia Health and its partners are designing OPOR to meet the demands of a modern, integrated care system—while protecting the integrity of data, systems, and trust.

  • Highlight how OPOR is integrating protections into every phase of system design
  • Share approaches to aligning clinical, technical, and operational teams
  • Discuss safeguards for managing sensitive health information
  • Explore how OPOR is building public confidence in digital healthcare
10:45AM

Cineplex Foyer - Lower Level

Refreshment Break

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM (45 mins)

10:50AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Tech Talk

Smarter Public Service Starts Here: From Call to Resolution with Genesys

10:50 AM - 11:05 AM (15 mins)

Brian Thomson Senior Principal Solution Consultant - Canada, Genesys

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, public service organizations must meet rising citizen expectations with speed, efficiency, and empathy. Smarter Public Service Starts Here: From Call to Resolution with Genesys explores how modern contact center technology empowers government agencies to transform citizen engagement. This session highlights how the Genesys platform enables seamless, AI-driven interactions across channels—from the first call to final resolution—improving service delivery, reducing wait times, and boosting public trust. Learn how smarter, connected solutions can drive better outcomes for both citizens and public servants.

11:10AM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Tech Talk

Empowering Digital Citizen Experiences: Identity and Payments in a Connected Canada

11:10 AM - 11:25 AM (15 mins)

Jonathan Drover Leader, Business Development – Public Sector, Interac Corp.

We've seen how fast the landscape of digital public services in Canada is changing. As digital interaction becomes a critical means of citizen engagement with government, providing secure and accessible digital services has never been more important.

This session will draw on Interac’s experience across the Canadian public sector to explore the key elements of secure, digital transactions between citizens and government, including:

  • Innovative payment solutions to meet citizen needs: whether it be enabling faster, more secure disbursements to respond to emergencies, or providing an avenue for payment of vital services, we all need to be able to count on the speed, security and transparency of financial interactions between citizens and government. 
  • Digital Identity Verification as a foundation for trustworthy transactions: supporting a secure digital identity verification ecosystem will enable Canadians to verify who they are online: safely, quickly and reliably – reducing friction and improving access to essential services to support inclusive and citizen-centric digital governments.

Together, secure payments and identity verification are key enablers of trust in every interaction between citizens and the institutions that serve them. 

11:30AM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Digital Services and Customer Experience

Chair Opening: End-to-end Approach to Total Experience Management

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

Rehan Qureshi Vice President, Technology Consulting Services, Maximus

Upgrading the citizen experience through team mobilization, operations optimization, and technology innovation

Government programs require secure, seamless, and adaptive services that enhance customer interactions and build trust in government. 

Join this session to gain insights on:

  • How customer and employee experience contribute to successful customer interactions with government programs.
  • Why a modular approach to customer engagement provides long-term value and flexibility. 
  • Where advanced technologies can be leveraged to enhance citizen engagement.
11:30AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Chair Opening: Mobia | Cato

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

Junior Williams Senior Solutions Architect, MOBIA
11:40AM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

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

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM (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.

11:40AM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote Data, AI, & IT Modernization

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

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM (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
12:00PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Enhancing Citizen Engagement Through Digital Channels

12:00 PM - 12:25 PM (25 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
Alessandro Alves
Chief Information Officer, Government of Manitoba
Valerie Kelly
Director of Innovation and Transformation, Government of New Brunswick
Richard Herritt
Partner, Barrington Consulting
Paul Lopes
Director of Design and Innovation, Thinking Big IT Consulting Inc.
12:00PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Panel discussion Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Overcoming Challenges in IT Modernization Projects

12:00 PM - 12:25 PM (25 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
Jamey Martell
Senior Director, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Stewart Hyman
Chief Technology Officer, Kyndryl Canada
Marc Leblanc
Director of CTO, MOBIA
12:25PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Industry Insights Digital Services and Customer Experience

Building Digital Trust Through Modern Identity Management in Government

12:25 PM - 12:45 PM (20 mins)

Guy Pensa Senior Technology Evangelist, Portage CyberTech

As governments evolve to meet the expectations of digitally native constituents, the need for secure, efficient, and inclusive digital identity solutions has never been greater. CitizenOne by Portage CyberTech delivers a modern, standards-based Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) platform purpose-built for public sector use.

In this in-depth session, attendees will gain a strategic understanding of how CitizenOne addresses government mandates around privacy, interoperability, and service delivery. The presentation will highlight:

  • How CitizenOne enables secure, privacy-first identity verification for constituents, businesses, and partners across government services.
  • Support for national and international standards, including OAuth2, OIDC, NIST 800 63/53, and Verifiable Credentials frameworks.
  • End-to-end lifecycle management of digital identities—onboarding, authentication, consent management, and revocation.
  • Interoperability with federal, provincial, and municipal services, enabling unified access across multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
  • Reduction of fraud, duplication, and operational overhead through reusable credentials and automated entitlement policies.
  • Improved citizen experience through seamless login experiences, multilingual support, mobile readiness, and intuitive self-service capabilities.
  • Flexible deployment models, including hybrid-cloud, private, and government compliant hosting environments.

The session will also explore real-world implementation scenarios, integration strategies with legacy systems, and how CitizenOne supports a phased modernization approach with measurable outcomes.

Attendees will leave with a clear view of how CitizenOne positions governments to lead with digital trust, comply with evolving identity regulations, and drive transformative service experiences for all users.

12:25PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Industry Insights Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Open Source: The Foundation of Responsible AI

12:25 PM - 12:45 PM (20 mins)

Todd Wilson Solution Architecture Leader, Red Hat Canada

As AI rapidly transforms government services, the question of ethical implementation and public trust is paramount. Join Todd Wilson from Red Hat as he explores why open source principles—spanning code, models, and data—are not just beneficial but essential for developing responsible, ethical, and sustainable AI. Discover how addressing concerns around public trust and ethical challenges in AI adoption can unlock its transformative potential. Learn about real-world examples, including public health data for AI-driven disease prediction and the impact of open data licensing in British Columbia. This session will highlight how transparency, collaboration, and community-driven approaches through open source can ensure AI serves the public good effectively and equitably.

12:45PM

Cineplex Foyer - Lower Level

Networking Lunch

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM (60 mins)

1:00PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

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.
1:20PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Tech Talk

Uncovering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for your Mobile Technology

1:20 PM - 1:35 PM (15 mins)

Sylvain Parent Enterprise Mobility Specialist, Channel, PiiComm Inc.

  • Understand the overlooked factors that drive long-term costs and how you can lower your TCO
  • Discover how proactive device lifecycle management saves time, money, and resources
  • Learn how a turnkey mobility partner can deliver better outcomes and peace of mind
1:45PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Transforming Government Services: The Platform Advantage

1:45 PM - 2:05 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
1:45PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote panel Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Accelerating Responsible AI adoption in Government

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

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
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
Sheila Sanderson
Project Director, Data Management Office, Nova Scotia Department of Cyber Security & Digital Solutions
Lori McCay-Peet
Data Strategy Research Analyst, Data Management Office, Cyber Security and Digital Solutions
2:05PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Industry Insights Digital Services and Customer Experience

Revamping public engagement in the age of AI

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

Claudia Cyr Vertical Lead - Government | Senior Manager, Enterprise Sales, Eastern Canada, Samsung Electronics Canada

As AI transforms how governments connect with citizens, public engagement strategies must adapt. This session explores how AI can enhance participation, improve accessibility, and inform policy—while addressing risks like bias and transparency. Attendees will gain practical insights, ethical considerations, and real-world examples to help modernize engagement approaches and build public trust in the digital age.

2:05PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Industry Insights Data, AI, & IT Modernization

AI Distraction or Disruption?

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

Danny MacDonald Principal Architect, Kainos
Josh Lee Principal, Davis Pier

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we live, work, and govern—but is it a strategic breakthrough for the public sector, or just another passing tech trend? In this session, we’ll cut through the hype to explore whether AI is a distraction diverting focus from core missions, or a true disruptor reshaping public service delivery.

Attendees will gain a clear, jargon-free overview of what AI is (and isn’t), how it’s already being applied in government, and what risks and opportunities lie ahead. With real-world examples, this session will help leaders and decision-makers understand how to position their organizations for an AI-powered future—without losing sight of their public purpose.

2:25PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Empowering Public Servants for Cyber Resilience

2:25 PM - 2:45 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
2:25PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote Data, AI, & IT Modernization

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
2:45PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Industry Insights Digital Services and Customer Experience

Securing Trust in the Quantum Era: A Strategic Imperative for Leaders

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

Anand Guruprasad Solutions Engineering Leader, Canada, Cloudflare

Quantum computing is no longer a distant concept, it poses real cryptographic risks today. This talk outlines the threat, introduces post-quantum cryptography as a solution, and shows how Cloudflare is helping organizations prepare for a quantum-secure future.

2:45PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Cyber Breach Trends & Incidents

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

David Fraser Member of the Faculty, Dalhousie Law School

  • 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.
3:05PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Future Trends in Digital Government

3:05 PM - 3:30 PM (25 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
Matt Spurway
Chief Development Officer & Founder, GEO Nova Scotia
Tony Daye
Chief Digital Officer, Finance and Treasury Board, Government of New Brunswick
Dorothy Eng
Chief Executive Officer, Code for Canada
Paul Lopes
Director of Design and Innovation, Thinking Big IT Consulting Inc.
3:05PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Panel discussion Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Balancing Innovation with Data Governance and Privacy

3:05 PM - 3:30 PM (25 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
Olesia Kazantseva
Senior Technical Advisor, Shared Services Canada
Trevor Flynn
Account Technology Strategist, Microsoft
Marc Leblanc
Director of CTO, MOBIA
3:30PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

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

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

Wendy MacDermott Chief Experience Officer, Department of Social Development, Government of New Brunswick
Valerie Kelly Director of Innovation and Transformation, 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
3:30PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Keynote Data, AI, & IT Modernization

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

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

Arilea Sill Chief Information Access and Privacy Officer, Province of Nova Scotia
Kathy Hartlen Manager, Privacy Program, Province 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
3:50PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Cyber Optimism: Embracing the Benefits of AI and Overcoming Fear

3:50 PM - 4:15 PM (25 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
Steven Carrigan
Senior Director, Data & Analytics, Nova Scotia Health
Olesia Kazantseva
Senior Technical Advisor, Shared Services Canada
Paul Lopes
Director of Design and Innovation, Thinking Big IT Consulting Inc.
3:50PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Panel discussion Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Scaling Innovation: The Vulnerability of our Legacy Applications and Systems

3:50 PM - 4:15 PM (25 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
Dorothy Eng
Chief Executive Officer, Code for Canada
Stephanie LeBlanc
Senior Manager Information & Technology, Halifax Water
Amanda Doucette
Manager, Enterprise & Business Applications, Halifax Water
Marc Leblanc
Director of CTO, MOBIA
4:15PM

Theatre 7 - Lower Level

Digital Services and Customer Experience

Closing Remarks

4:15 PM - 4:25 PM (10 mins)

Rehan Qureshi Vice President, Technology Consulting Services, Maximus
4:15PM

Theatre 8 - Lower Level

Data, AI, & IT Modernization

Closing Remarks

4:15 PM - 4:25 PM (10 mins)

Junior Williams Senior Solutions Architect, MOBIA
4:25PM

Cineplex Foyer - Lower Level

Networking Reception

4:25 PM - 5:25 PM (60 mins)

Questions?

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