Digital Leadership Day Federal

As global governments navigate complex challenges, the Research Innovation Council has been meeting regionally over the last six months to uncover emerging trends and transformative strategies.

This session will explore the Council’s key findings, showcasing the critical challenges governments face, the innovations driving progress, and how global collaboration is shaping the future of public service delivery.

• Examine key challenges impacting governments across regions.
• Explore breakthrough innovations and solutions identified by the Council.
• Discover opportunities for governments to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing world.
• Gain insights into how governments are collaborating with academia, the private sector and other agencies and what it means for the future of governance.

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 Citizens expect seamless, proactive, and personalized services, yet many public sector systems remain siloed and outdated.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?

Scott Jones

President, 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

Daniel Ladouceur

Chief Integrated Risk Management - DIM Secur, The Department of National Defence

This session showcases how public sector organizations can leverage data and analytics to cut through uncertainty, anticipate change, and make informed, evidence-based decisions that drive impact.

• 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

Michael Kalin

Director General, Client Experience, Service Canada

Honey Dacanay

Director-General, Digital Policy, Data and Digital Policy Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat, Government of Canada

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

• 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?

Nadine Boudreau-Brown

Director General, Transformation and Modernization Services, Information Systems Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada / Government of Canada

Scott Taylor

Director General, Digital Enablement, Shared Services Canada

Dugald Topshee

Director General, Business Solutions Directorate, Transport Canada

Colin MacSween

Director General, National Cyber Security, National and Cyber Security Branch, Public Safety Canada