The Canadian government is introducing a new federal entity, Digital Transformation Canada, aimed at enhancing citizens’ access to government services through digital technologies. The Prime Minister’s Office disclosed the establishment of this organization, highlighting its goals to streamline technology development, procurement, and usage, among other key initiatives.
Patrick Pichette, former Google CFO and executive at Bell Canada, McKinsey, and Spring Canada, has been appointed as the CEO of Digital Transformation Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed confidence in Pichette’s expertise in digital transformation, innovation, and organizational change to drive the agency’s important work forward.
The agency plans to implement digital solutions, including artificial intelligence, across government operations to reduce redundancy, operational costs, and enhance digital security and sovereignty at a national level. Carney emphasized that by modernizing service delivery, minimizing duplication, and supporting Canadian tech firms, the economy would strengthen, benefiting Canadians and positioning Canada as a leader in the digital realm.
In addition, the agency aims to provide tools to public servants to streamline administrative processes, improving the efficiency of service delivery. It will also allocate federal resources to assist Canadian AI and digital companies in testing, scaling, and commercializing innovative technologies.
Digital Transformation Canada will operate under Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound, consolidating Shared Services Canada with segments of the Treasury Board Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada.