Annual Digital Open Government Forum: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence - Program

11:00 am – 11:05 am

Arrival and Presentation

Introductions–Master of Ceremonies

Samuel Marleau Ouellet, Director, AI Hub, Innovation, Science and Economic Development

11:05 am – 11:20 am

Opening Remarks

The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government

11:20 am – 11:45 am

Setting the Stage

Jim Provost, Lead Data Scientist, Lixar

11:45 am – 1:05 pm

Panel Discussion: Understanding the Policy and Ethics to Harness the Full Potential of AI

Description

Learn how you can move beyond the technical aspects of AI to maximize its full potential, including using AI safely and ethically. This session will also explore policies, guidelines and rules needed to effectively use AI, especially when it comes to data and inclusion to ensure that everyone benefits equally from AI tools and technologies.

Speakers

• Jesse Hirsh, Futurist, Researcher, Internet Strategist and Canada School of Public Service Digital Fellow
• Sarah Shoker, Post-Doctoral Fellow and Founder, Glassbox Inc.
• Benoit Deshaies, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
• Valentine Goddard, Founder and Director General, AI Alliance

Moderator

Sandy Kyriakatos, Chief Data Officer, Canada Border Services Agency

1:05 pm – 1:20 pm

Health Break

1:20 pm – 2:50 pm

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

1. Rules as Code: How the Digital Era is Changing Rule-Making and What This Means for You

   Description

   Rules are an essential part of any healthy, well-functioning society, but rule-makers are still using analogue processes to develop and implement rules in a digital world. Come Hear directly from Rules as Code experts from around the world who will share their experiences with the Rules as Code process. This process has the potential to dramatically change government rulemaking for the better. You will learn about Rules as Code and how it can help you to write more robust and smarter rules and make you a better policy-maker, analyst, regulator, researcher, administrator, etc.

   Speakers

   • Jason Morris, Lead Legendary Counsel, Round Table Law
   • Mauko Quiroga, Policy and Engagement Officer (aka. gov. whisperer) @ beta.gouv.fr
   • Pia Andrews, Director General, Digital Experience and Client Data Workstream for Benefits Delivery Modernization Program, Employment and Social Development Canada

   Moderator

   Dara Renton, Head of Product Management, Ontario Digital Service

2. Tech Fair: GC AI Project Demos

   Description

   Interested in AI, but unsure how to use it? Curious how the GC is using AI? This fast-paced session features speakers from across the public service who will demo their regulatory AI projects and share their stories and experiences in running AI projects from start to finish. They will address some of the challenges they have faced, the successes they have had and how the public service can better use AI.

   Speakers

   Project Cipher

   • Peter Yoon, Manager, Rapid Experimentation and Innovation Space, Health Canada
   • Bryan Paget, Data Scientist, Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch, Health Canada

   Pre-Load Air Cargo Targeting:

   • Brook Carrothers, Manager, Passenger Protect Program and Targeting Operations, Aviation Security
   • Chesley Escott, Projects Officer and Coordinator, Passenger Protect Program and Targeting Operations, PACT Unit, Aviation Security

   Food Inspection Environmental Scanning Canada (CFIA)

   • Dave Carter, Research Council Officer, Situational Awareness, National Research Council
   • Lorena Webster, Senior Laboratory Accreditation Officer, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

   Moderator

   Julie McAuley, Chief Data Officer, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

3. Building Transparency, Accountability and Integrity in Artificial Intelligence (Ask-Me-Anything Session)

   Description

   Strong data is key in AI. Yet, how do you ensure the integrity and transparency of your data? What does this look like? Do you know who is accountable? Get ready for an open and honest discussion with experts, where they will respond to these and other questions to give you concrete examples to help you to get it right.

   Speakers

   • Tracey Lauriault, Associate Professor, Critical Media and Big Data, School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University
   • Erick Galinkin, Researcher, Montreal AI Ethics Institute; Principal AI Researcher, Rapid7
   • Ana Brandusescu, 2019-2021 McConnell Foundation Professor of Practice, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Montreal, McGill University  
   • Sarah Villeneuve, Program Lead, Partnership on AI Ashley Casovan, Executive Director, AI Global
   • Ashley Casovan, Executive Director, AI Global

   Moderator

   • Mélanie Robert, Executive Director, Open Government and Portals, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat