The Canadian government is introducing a new federal entity, Digital Transformation Canada, aimed at enhancing citizens’ interaction with government services through digital technologies. The Prime Minister’s Office disclosed the establishment of the organization, which will focus on improving technology procurement and utilization, among other key objectives.
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 innovation and organizational change, emphasizing the importance of his contribution to the initiative.
The agency plans to expand the use of digital solutions like artificial intelligence across government operations to streamline processes, reduce costs, and bolster digital security and sovereignty on a national scale. Carney highlighted the agency’s goal of enhancing service delivery efficiency, minimizing redundancy, and supporting the growth of Canadian tech companies to position the country as a leader in the digital era.
Moreover, the agency will empower public servants with tools to enhance service delivery efficiency and reduce administrative burdens. It will also allocate federal resources to aid Canadian AI and digital firms in testing, scaling, and commercializing new technologies.
Digital Transformation Canada will operate under the oversight of 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.
