Provinces Leading a New Wave of Public Sector Innovation

Government innovation in Canada isn’t just coming from Ottawa these days. Increasingly, provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia are stepping out in front—modernizing public services, investing in infrastructure, and actively shaping the future. 

In fact, it feels like they’ve flipped the script. Instead of waiting for national direction, provinces are forging their own paths. They’re taking on ambitious digital transformation projects, forming cross-border partnerships, and moving with real urgency. The result? A more responsive, resilient, and agile public sector. 

Provincial Collaboration at an All-Time High 

One clear sign of this new direction: the Ontario–Saskatchewan agreement to eliminate internal trade barriers, signed in June 2025. The two premiers joined forces to break down long-standing hurdles between provinces. As Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe put it, 

“Now is the time to take strong action to strengthen trade across Canada.” He called the deal a way to “unlock…the infinite potential that exists within our industries from coast to coast.” 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford estimated that this kind of cooperation could unlock up to $200 billion in economic growth. And while the agreement focuses on trade, its broader message is unmistakable: provinces are ready to lead, together. 

But collaboration is only part of the story. Provinces are also putting their money where their mouth is. 

Big Bets in Provincial Budgets 

This year’s provincial budgets drive the point home—innovation isn’t just an idea, it’s an investment strategy. 

• Ontario is committing around $93 billion to health care upgrades, major infrastructure projects, and a sweeping push for digital modernization.
• Alberta is rolling out its AI Data Centres Strategy, aimed at attracting $100 billion in private investment. Tech Minister Nate Glubish wants Alberta to become one of North America’s leading AI and cloud computing hubs within five years.
• British Columbia is investing $67.6 billion across health, education, and transit—alongside a new Digital Government Plan focused on accessibility, inclusiveness, and citizen-first service design.

These aren’t marginal moves. They’re full-scale transformations. And while federal initiatives still matter, provinces are closer to the front lines—healthcare, schools, transit—and can often move faster with tailored, region-specific solutions. 

But big budgets alone aren’t enough—execution matters. And that’s where collaboration on the ground comes in. 

Innovation Showcases: Collaboration in Action 

One of the most exciting developments right now is how provinces are actively engaging people outside of government. That’s exactly what the Government Innovation Showcase events in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia are all about. 

These in-person gatherings bring together public sector leaders, policy-makers, technologists, and private sector innovators to co-create practical solutions. Whether it’s in Toronto, Edmonton, or Victoria, the challenges—and the ambition—are shared: accelerating AI use cases, upgrading legacy systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and simplifying citizen-facing services. 

At Alberta’s Showcase this fall, attendees will hear how Alberta Health Services used automation to save over 250 staff work-years—a jaw-dropping stat that shows what’s possible when government teams have the right tools. Sessions will also explore ethical AI use and data governance, with plenty of time for hands-on problem-solving. 

These events aren’t your standard conference fare. They’re real-time collaboration labs. As Alberta’s Chief Information Security Officer, Martin Dinel, put it: 

“These events are fantastic because we get to talk with like-minded people… Sometimes, we come up with solutions during discussions or identify a vendor who can help resolve problems within our organizations.” 

It’s not just local stories, either. Alberta’s 2025 speaker lineup includes guests like New Brunswick’s Chief Experience Officer and Manitoba’s health CFO—proof that provinces are sharing playbooks, not just policies. 

Ontario’s event will put a spotlight on service delivery innovation and digital ID progress. BC’s showcase is set to dive into its new Digital Code of Practice and explore how they’re using data to drive better outcomes across departments. 

The thread running through all of this: provinces aren’t just innovating for their own sake. They’re building bridges—between agencies, across borders, and with partners outside government.

The Urgency to Adapt and Co-Create 

For public sector teams, the message is clear: the future’s arriving fast, and you need to be in the room where it’s happening. 

Citizens now expect government to be as responsive and intuitive as their favourite app. That means moving faster, collaborating more openly, and embracing new technologies and ways of working. Provincial leaders get this—and they’re bringing in private sector expertise to help make it real. 

The next phase of government transformation won’t be written behind closed doors. It’ll be co-authored—in workshops, at showcases, through vendor demos and peer roundtables. It’ll come from conversations between people who understand the urgency, the opportunity, and the stakes. 

So if you work in or around the public sector, these upcoming Innovation Showcase events in Ontario, Alberta, and BC aren’t just conferences. They’re launchpads for what’s next. A chance to meet the people shaping the future of government—and to be part of that story yourself. 

Keep an eye on these provinces. They’re not just talking about change. They’re building it. 

Partner with us!

We'll be going to each of these provinces in the Fall and we'd love for you to showcase your solutions. Download the prospectus here and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.