Ottawa is introducing a new federal entity, Digital Transformation Canada, to enhance Canadians’ access to government services using digital technologies. The Prime Minister’s Office revealed this initiative, which aims to streamline technology development and usage within the government, among other priorities.
The newly appointed CEO of Digital Transformation Canada is Patrick Pichette, who previously served as Google’s chief financial officer and held executive positions at Bell Canada, McKinsey, and Spring Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed confidence in Pichette’s expertise in digital transformation and innovation to drive this important work forward.
The agency’s focus will include implementing digital solutions like artificial intelligence across government operations to reduce redundancy, operational costs, and enhance digital security. Carney emphasized that by modernizing public service delivery, minimizing duplication, and supporting Canadian tech firms, the economy will strengthen, benefiting Canadians and positioning Canada as a leader in the digital era.
Additionally, the agency will empower public servants with tools to streamline administrative tasks, improving the efficiency of government services. It will also utilize federal funding to assist Canadian AI and digital companies in testing, scaling, and commercializing new technologies.
Digital Transformation Canada will operate under Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound, merging Shared Services Canada with segments of the Treasury Board Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada.