Ottawa will establish a novel federal entity, Digital Transformation Canada, to leverage digital technologies for enhancing Canadians’ interaction with government services. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) disclosed this initiative in a press release on Thursday, emphasizing the organization’s goal to revamp technology development, procurement, and utilization within the government.
The appointment of Patrick Pichette as the CEO of Digital Transformation Canada was also announced by the PMO. Pichette, who previously served as Google’s chief financial officer and held executive positions at Bell Canada, McKinsey, and Spring Canada, brings extensive expertise in digital transformation and innovation to the role.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his confidence in Pichette’s appointment, stating that it will greatly contribute to advancing the critical work of digital transformation. The new agency aims to implement digital solutions, including artificial intelligence, across the government to streamline operations, cut costs, enhance digital security, and promote Canadian technology companies’ growth.
Carney highlighted the agency’s objectives, emphasizing that modernizing public service delivery, eliminating redundancies, and supporting local technology firms will bolster the economy, benefit Canadians, and position Canada as a digital leader. Additionally, the agency plans to empower public servants with efficient tools to reduce administrative burdens and improve service delivery effectiveness.
Furthermore, the agency intends to utilize federal resources to assist Canadian AI and digital enterprises in testing, scaling, and commercializing new 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.
