Ottawa is set to introduce a novel federal organization aimed at leveraging digital technologies to enhance Canadians’ access to and interaction with government services. A news statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday unveiled the establishment of Digital Transformation Canada, which also seeks to streamline the government’s technology development, procurement, and utilization processes, among other key objectives. The PMO also disclosed the appointment of Patrick Pichette as the new CEO of Digital Transformation Canada.

Pichette, who served as Google’s chief financial officer from 2008 to 2015 and held executive positions at Bell Canada, McKinsey, and Spring Canada, brings valuable expertise in digital transformation, innovation, and organizational change to the initiative, remarked Prime Minister Mark Carney in a press release. The newly formed agency, according to the PMO, will focus on implementing digital solutions, including artificial intelligence, across government operations to minimize redundancy and operating expenses, while bolstering digital sovereignty and security.

Carney emphasized, “By modernizing public service delivery, reducing duplication, and fostering the growth of Canadian technology companies, we will enhance our economy, improve outcomes for Canadians, and position Canada as a leader in the digital era.” The announcement further detailed that the agency plans to empower public servants with tools to streamline administrative processes and enhance the efficiency of government service delivery. Additionally, it intends to utilize federal funding to support Canadian AI and digital enterprises in testing, scaling, and commercializing new technologies.

The oversight of the new agency will fall under Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound, consolidating Shared Services Canada with sections of the Treasury Board Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada.