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Line 483: − <br> − <br> − − [[Image:Dr. Somaieh Nikpoor photo.png|150px|Somaieh Nikpoor]] − <h3>Somaieh Nikpoor</h3> − <p class="jobtitle">Lead, Data Science and AI Strategy, Transport Canada</p> − <p>Somaieh Nikpoor is a researcher, advocate, and mentor working at the intersection of AI, data, and policy. She is a lead for AI and Data Science at Transport Canada. She designs AI and analytics road maps based on organizational readiness and leads various initiatives on data science and AI. She is passionate about the responsible development and application of AI technologies and is currently collaborating with academia and non-profit organizations to curate and generate original content that will help others navigate through various AI ethics and AI policy topics and concepts.</p> − − <p>Before joining Transport Canada, Somaieh held an advisory role for AI and machine learning at ESDC – Labour Program. Somaieh has also worked at the Advanced Analytics Lab within Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, where she led the development and delivery of several analytical products. Somaieh holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Ottawa.</p> Line 465:
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Line 732: − <p>Arun Thangaraj was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport on February 20, 2023.</p> −
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<!--<p>Participating in <strong>[https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Data_Conference_2022_Agenda#11:00_to_11:30_am_-_Opening_plenary Opening plenary]</strong> and <strong>[https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Data_Conference_2022_Agenda#Data_as_a_competitive_advantage_for_Canada:_The_benefits_of_a_data_and_digitally_enabled_public_service Data as a competitive advantage for Canada: the benefits of a data and digitally enabled public service]</strong></p>-->
<!--<p>Participating in <strong>[https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Data_Conference_2022_Agenda#11:00_to_11:30_am_-_Opening_plenary Opening plenary]</strong> and <strong>[https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Data_Conference_2022_Agenda#Data_as_a_competitive_advantage_for_Canada:_The_benefits_of_a_data_and_digitally_enabled_public_service Data as a competitive advantage for Canada: the benefits of a data and digitally enabled public service]</strong></p>-->
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[[Image:Deputy-minister-stephen-lucas.jpg|150px|Stephen Lucas]]
<h3>Stephen Lucas, Ph.D.</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Deputy Minister, Health Canada</p>
<p>Dr. Stephen Lucas was appointed Deputy Minister of Health on September 3, 2019. </p>
<p>Before joining the Department, Dr. Lucas served as Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) since January 2017. </p>
<p>As Senior Associate Deputy Minister (Climate Change) from June 2016 to January 2017, Dr. Lucas led ECCC activities in support of the development and adoption of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. </p>
<p>Before joining ECCC, Dr. Lucas was Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Plans and Consultations and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Privy Council Office. From 2013 to 2014, he was Assistant Secretary, Economic and Regional Development Policy, at the Privy Council Office. </p>
<p>As Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Policy Integration at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) from 2009 to 2013, he was responsible for strategic policy development related to energy, mineral and forest resources, climate change and clean energy and international and intergovernmental relations. Prior to that, from 2007 to 2009, he was Assistant Deputy Minister, Minerals and Metals Sector, at NRCan, where he provided leadership on innovation, green mining and corporate social responsibility. </p>
<p>Dr. Lucas was a Director General in the Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) at Health Canada from 2003 to 2007, Senior Director at NRCan for Science, Innovation, Regional and Aboriginal Affairs from 2000 to 2003, and Director of Policy Planning and Coordination in the Earth Sciences Sector at NRCan from 1998 to 2000. </p>
<p>Dr. Lucas started his career as a research scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada in 1988. He has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Geological Engineering from Queen’s University and a Ph.D. in structural geology and tectonics from Brown University. </p>
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<p>Before joining CBSA, Kaveh worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Chief Data Office, where he led the development of Departmental Data and Analytics Strategy. He has worked at a number of other Government of Canada departments, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Employment Social Development Canada. He is a graduate of McGill, uOttawa, and Queen’s University. </p>
<p>Before joining CBSA, Kaveh worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Chief Data Office, where he led the development of Departmental Data and Analytics Strategy. He has worked at a number of other Government of Canada departments, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Employment Social Development Canada. He is a graduate of McGill, uOttawa, and Queen’s University. </p>
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[[Image:Abdi Aidid photo.jpg|150px|Abdi Aidid]]
<h3>Abdi Aidid</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Assistant professor, University of Toronto Faculty of Law</p>
<p>Abdi Aidid is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and researches and teaches in the areas of civil procedure, torts, and law & technology. </p>
<p>He received his B.A. from the University of Toronto, his J.D. from Yale Law School and his LL.M from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Professor Aidid previously practiced litigation and arbitration at Covington & Burling LLP in New York City and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP in Toronto. Most recently, Professor Aidid served as the VP, Legal Research at Blue J, where he oversaw the development of machine learning-enabled research and analytics tools. Professor Aidid is a Faculty Affiliate at the Centre for Ethics and a member of the Ethics of AI Lab. </p>
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<p class="jobtitle">CEO and Co-Founder, NuEnergy.ai</p>
<p class="jobtitle">CEO and Co-Founder, NuEnergy.ai</p>
<p>Niraj Bhargava (P.Eng, ICD.D) is the co-founder, CEO, and lead faculty at NuEnergy.ai. At NuEnergy.ai, Niraj leads a team of experts who are specialized in AI Governance Education, creating organization level AI Governance Framework and integrating AI trust measurement software – Machine Trust PlatformTM (built on a patented methodology). Niraj has over 30 years of experience in technology, business creation and leadership. He is a serial entrepreneur and has successively been the CEO, founder and leader of technology companies – focused on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Neural Networks. He is currently the Chair of the Innovation Committee of the Board at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. In the past, he has served as a dean and a university professor. He holds an MBA, a degree in Systems Design Engineering and completed the Directors Education Program leading to his P.Eng & ICD.D designation and has been a prominent speaker globally on sustainability and on ethical AI. </p>
<p>Niraj Bhargava (P.Eng, ICD.D) is the co-founder, CEO, and lead faculty at NuEnergy.ai. At NuEnergy.ai, Niraj leads a team of experts who are specialized in AI Governance Education, creating organization level AI Governance Framework and integrating AI trust measurement software – Machine Trust PlatformTM (built on a patented methodology). Niraj has over 30 years of experience in technology, business creation and leadership. He is a serial entrepreneur and has successively been the CEO, founder and leader of technology companies – focused on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Neural Networks. He is currently the Chair of the Innovation Committee of the Board at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. In the past, he has served as a dean and a university professor. He holds an MBA, a degree in Systems Design Engineering and completed the Directors Education Program leading to his P.Eng & ICD.D designation and has been a prominent speaker globally on sustainability and on ethical AI. </p>
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[[Image:Wendy Chee - Headshot.jpg|150px|Wendy Chee]]
<h3>Wendy Chee</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Director, Science Data Solutions, Science Program, Shared Services Canada </p>
<p>Wendy Chee is the Director of Science Data Solutions for the Science Program within Shared Services Canada. In her current role, she has spearheaded the data component of the Science Program, showcasing her commitment to driving innovation at the intersection of technology and government initiatives. With a profound dedication to client service, data excellence, and fostering relationships, she has left an indelible mark on central agencies and line departments. She strives to accelerate enterprise data solutions and strengthen interdepartmental relationships through innovation and collaboration. </p>
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[[Image:Dr. Sevgui Erman photo.jpg|150px|Sevgui Erman]]
[[Image:Erika-Kirsten Easton photo.png|150px|Erika-Kirsten Easton]]
<h3>Sevgui Erman</h3>
<h3>Erika-Kirsten Easton</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Executive Director, Digital Technologies Research Center, National Research Council of Canada</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Chief Data Officer and Director General, Enterprise Service, Data and Architecture Directorate, Transport Canada</p>
<p>Dr. Sevgui Erman is the Executive Director of the Digital Technologies Research Centre at the National Research Council of Canada. She leads research in computer vision, natural language processing, advanced analytics, cybersecurity and quantum computing. Her team’s focus is on using AI and digital technologies to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.</p>
<p>Erika-Kirsten Easton joined Transport Canada in August 2023 as the Chief Data Officer and Director General (DG) of Enterprise Service, Data and Architecture. She and her team are responsible for data asset management, establishing digital service delivery standards, and enterprise architecture and security assessments for the Department. </p>
<p>Prior to that, she was the DG of Strategic Policy, and DG of Communications at Shared Services Canada (SSC) 2020 to 2023. She has worked on issues such as cyber security and the digitization of government services. </p>
<p>Erika has extensive experience in policy, communications and data analysis with the private sector and the federal public service, including 12 years as an executive in government. Throughout her public service career, Erika has been focused on implementing data-driven and user-centric decision-making, and managing change. </p>
<p>At the beginning of her career, Erika was a Research Associate at the Public Policy Forum, a national, non-partisan think tank. Erika then worked at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) leading their public opinion research and strategic risk and crisis communications. She had the opportunity to work on issues such as behavioural research on infection prevention among Indigenous and the general population, as well as the H1N1 and listeriosis outbreaks.</p>
<p>She has also worked at Citizenship and Immigration Canada from 2010 to 2013 as the Manager of Public Opinion Research and Consultations, and the Director of Regions, Ministerial Services and Media Relations, where she led consultations and communications on the annual immigration plan, changes to interim federal health, refugee reform, cracking down on crooked consultants, changes to the family and economic class immigration processes, and new citizenship requirements. </p>
<p>While at Health Canada and PHAC from 2013 to 2016 as the Director of Media Relations and Regional Communications, as well as the Director General of Public Health Strategic Communications, she oversaw communications on issues such as avian flu, Zika, Ebola and many food-borne illness outbreaks. </p>
<p>From 2016 to 2020, she was the Director General of Communications at Canada Border Services Agency where she led public affairs and communications activities on issues such as travel and trade facilitation and enforcement, the increased irregular arrival of asylum seekers, and the implementation of border measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining Canada’s supply chain. </p>
<p>Erika has a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Ottawa. She is a proud Franco-Ontarian from Northern Ontario. She lives in Ottawa with her husband and their three kids.</p>
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<p>She holds a Ph.D. in system control and signal processing from the Université Paris-Saclay. She has a background in engineering, math and IT, with experience in developing algorithms and systems in the private, public and academic sectors.</p>
[[Image:George Esper photo.jpg|150px|George Esper]]
<h3>George Esper</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Principal Technical Advisor to the Data and Information Management Directorate, Fisheries and Oceans Canada</p>
<p>George Esper is the Principal Technical Advisor to the Data and Information Management Directorate at Fisheries and Oceans Canada with over 35 years of experience in information technology, currently specializing in data management in support of advanced analytics. </p>
<p>For the past six years, George has focused his efforts to build the Enterprise Data Hub, which acts a marketplace for the departments data assets that are used by data scientists and other data practitioners to derive insights in support of decision and policy making. </p>
<p>Prior to joining the Government of Canada, George held several positions in the private sector, including running a boutique software development and consulting company for 18 years, with clients including NavCanada, Department of National Defence, Transport Canada, Health Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and various private organizations. </p>
<p>Before this, George worked for 9 years as a software engineer at MacDonald Dettwiler, specializing in air traffic management and information systems. George holds a Bachelor of Computer Science degree with a second major in Geology from Concordia University in Montreal. </p>
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<p>Before joining the National Research Council, Dr. Erman was Chief Data Scientist and Senior Director of the Data Science Division at Statistics Canada. Since 2017, she led the agency’s data science strategy and engineering efforts, and she spearheaded the creation of the Data Science Accelerator (DSA) in 2018. The DSA operated as a start-up, entirely driven by business needs—taking advantage of best practices in entrepreneurship, catalyzing culture change through delivery of small wins, and building trust in new technologies and leading-edge methods. For this work, she was awarded Statistics Canada’s Excellence in Service Delivery Award. While at Statistics Canada, Dr. Erman launched and led the Data Science Network for the Federal Public Service, which supports data science capacity-building within the Government of Canada.</p>
[[Image:Gabrielle FitzGerald photo.jpg|150px|Gabrielle FitzGerald]]
<h3>Gabrielle FitzGerald</h3>
<p>Dr. Erman has also worked in system design roles at Ericsson Wireless as well as Nortel Networks Optical R&D. She holds patents in real-time electro-optical system performance optimization.</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Chief Data and Chief Risk Officer, Canadian Food Inspection Agency</p>
<p>Gabrielle FitzGerald joined the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as the Chief Data and Chief Risk Officer in December of 2021. She leads a diverse group of policy, program and IT professionals responsible for the Agency’s Information Management (IM) program, its Data and Analytics Strategies, and Artificial Intelligence initiatives; responding to the science and regulatory data needs for food safety and animal & plant health.</p>
<p>Prior to joining the CFIA, she led the implementation of Infrastructure Canada’s Data Strategy, including responsibility of Canada’s first ever national survey of public infrastructure and the department’s research contributions program. With over two decades of experience as a Canadian federal public servant, her expertise has helped to shape the delivery of Canada’s mineral statistics program; led to the design and implementation of anti-corruption legislation through the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act – Canada’s response to the G8 commitment on global transparency in the extractives sector; and chaired key data roles in Canada’s contribution to the international Kimberley Process – a regulatory regime put in place to deter the trade of conflict diamonds. She holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and a specialization in computer science and combinatorics and optimization.</p>
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[[Image:Phil Gratton.png|150px|Yvan Gauthier]]
[[Image:Phil Gratton.png|150px|Phil Gratton]]
<h3>Phil Gratton</h3>
<h3>Phil Gratton</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Associate Faculty, Digital Academy, Canada School of Public Service</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Associate Faculty, Digital Academy, Canada School of Public Service</p>
<p>Phil Gratton is an Associate Faculty at the Canada School of Public Service’s Digital Academy, with a mission to help public servants and their leadership gain the knowledge, skills and mindsets required to flourish in the digital age. He was previously the Director General of the Data Management Branch at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), where he led teams of security practitioners in innovative and compliant data solutions in support of national security investigations. He previously served as the CSIS Chief of Cyber Centre, investigating threats from state and terrorist cyber actors. He has been involved in a broad range of national security investigations at the CSIS’s national headquarters in Ottawa, in various regional offices across the country, and in locations abroad. He holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Ottawa. Phil explores issues of leadership, technology, national security, and complexity.</p>
<p>Phil Gratton is an Associate Faculty at the Canada School of Public Service’s Digital Academy, with a mission to help public servants and their leadership gain the knowledge, skills and mindsets required to flourish in the digital age. He was previously the Director General of the Data Management Branch at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), where he led teams of security practitioners in innovative and compliant data solutions in support of national security investigations. He previously served as the CSIS Chief of Cyber Centre, investigating threats from state and terrorist cyber actors. He has been involved in a broad range of national security investigations at the CSIS’s national headquarters in Ottawa, in various regional offices across the country, and in locations abroad. He holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Ottawa. Phil explores issues of leadership, technology, national security, and complexity.</p>
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[[Image:Captain Allan Gray photo.jpg|150px|Allan Gray]]
<h3>Captain Allan Gray</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority</p>
<p>Captain Allan Gray is President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority, a role he assumed in November 2019. Captain Gray leads a dedicated team focused on creating economic benefit for the region through the Port’s core lines of business which are cargo, cruise and real estate. He is focused on advancing digital transformation, decarbonization, and safe, efficient port operations while balancing the needs of community, economics, and the environment.</p>
<p>Captain Gray is an experienced leader and trusted partner in the marine sector. Prior to his role at the Halifax Port Authority, Allan most recently served as the General Manager of Fremantle Ports in Australia. He was previously appointed Harbour Master in September 2008, and was appointed General Manager Port Operations in July 2009 including commercial operations and management of the Port’s bulk business. Prior to coming ashore, Captain Gray’s career at sea spanned over 20 years trading on various vessels from RO-RO, container, bulk, and LPG Tankers. </p>
<p>Throughout his career, Allan has been recognized for his leadership and in 2013 and was awarded life membership for his contribution to raising the profile of the Company of Master Mariners Australia. </p>
<p>Captain Gray currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and is an ex-officio member of the Port Community Liaison Committee in Halifax, a working group which he established to foster collaboration and engagement between the Port and the greater community. </p>
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<p>Shion has been awarded a Way-Klingler Early Career Award in 2019, a Connaught New Researcher Award in 2021 and a Schwartz-Reisman Institute for Technology and Society Faculty Fellowship from 2023-25. Previously, he received an MS from the Indian Statistical Institute in 2010 and a PhD from Cornell University in 2016.</p>
<p>Shion has been awarded a Way-Klingler Early Career Award in 2019, a Connaught New Researcher Award in 2021 and a Schwartz-Reisman Institute for Technology and Society Faculty Fellowship from 2023-25. Previously, he received an MS from the Indian Statistical Institute in 2010 and a PhD from Cornell University in 2016.</p>
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[[Image:Eric Guimond.jpg|150px|Eric Guimond]]
<h3>Eric Guimond</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Chief Data Officer and Director General, Strategic Research and Data Innovation Branch, Indigenous Services Canada </p>
<p>Eric is Chief Data Officer with the Department of Indigenous Services Canada, and Director General of the Strategic Research and Data Innovation Branch since 2019. In his dual role, he is responsible for the development of collaborative research and data strategies, partnerships and agreements that are required to support the improvement of the well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada, as well as supporting Indigenous governments and institutions in assuming control of the delivery of services, including Indigenous data. </p>
<p>Over the course of his career, Eric had the opportunity to contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. He directed (2013-16) historical research activities to support the discharge of obligations under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), including the delivery of about one million documents to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada following extensive collaborative research with Library and Archives Canada. In a different role, Eric coordinated (2016-19) efforts leading to legislative amendments to the Indian Act to eliminate sex-based inequities in registration. </p>
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[[Image:Julie McAuley photo.jpg|150px|Julie McAuley]]
[[Image:Ryan Klomp.png|150px|Ryan Klomp]]
<h3>Julie McAuley</h3>
<h3>Ryan Klomp</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Chief Data Officer and Director General, Innovation, Science and Economic Development</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Director, Research, Development, and Demonstration, Innovation Centre, Transport Canada</p>
<p>Julie McAuley is ISED’s Chief Data Officer and the Director General of the Data, Digital and Innovation Branch (DDIB) in the Digital Transformation Services Sector (DTSS). In this role, she is responsible for the implementation of the Departmental Data Strategy, the policy and data components of business related Digital Identity and Credentials, as well as innovation and analytics. Working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across ISED and the GC, she provides strategic advice related to data and information management, as well as strategy / program design and implementation.</p>
<p>Ryan Klomp has been the Director of RD&D for Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre since 2018. He is privileged to lead a team of dedicated engineers, scientists, naval architects, and biologists in their efforts to enhance the safety, security, efficiency and environmental performance of Canada‘s transportation system.</p>
<p>Prior to joining Transport Canada in 2008, Ryan Klomp worked for the University of Ottawa supporting students with disabilities as an adaptive technologist and braille transcriptionist. Accessibility and inclusion have been important themes throughout his career.</p>
<p>Ryan has over fifteen years’ experience managing multi-modal transportation research programs and domestic and international regulatory modernization initiatives.</p>
<p>Ryan holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and an Honours in BA in from Political Science Carleton University.</p>
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[[Image:Élise Legendre - Headshot.jpg|150px|Élise Legendre]]
<h3>Élise Legendre</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Chief Data Officer, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada</p>
<p>Élise was appointed Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Chief Data Officer in the summer of 2021. She leads a small, passionate team of policy and IT professionals dedicated to harnessing and unleashing the power of data to improve service delivery and to support the sector’s sustainable growth.</p>
<p>In 2003, after having worked in strategic marketing in the private sector for nearly 12 years, her career with the federal public service began as a Commerce Officer with AAFC. She has since held positions in several branches, including Strategic Policy, Corporate Management and Programs. She is passionate about the role of government and the impact it can have to improve the quality of life for Canadians. </p>
<p>Élise holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, BC) and a bachelor’s degree in Arts, major in Political Sciences from Laval University (Sainte Foy, QC). </p>
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[[Image:Julien-Charles Levesque - cropped.jpg|150px|Julien-Charles Levesque]]
<h3>Julien-Charles Levesque</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Senior AI Advisor, Chief Data Officer Branch, Employment and Social Development Canada</p>
<p>Julien-Charles has been working as a Data Scientist and AI Advisor for the past four years in ESDC’s Chief Data Officer Branch. Julien-Charles contributes to the conception, evaluation and review of various AI solutions in the department. He also gives counsel to stakeholders of the department wanting to employ AI. Julien-Charles has been working in the field of AI for over 12 years and he holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from Université Laval, where his research topic was the automatic tuning of machine learning models, a topic also known as hyperparameter optimization. </p>
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<p>Julie joined ISED in September 2017 as the department’s Chief Results and Delivery Officer. In this role, she led the implementation of the department’s outcomes-focused results and delivery framework. Prior to joining ISED, she worked at Statistics Canada where she held a number of executive positions in the areas of health, justice and social statistics.</p>
[[Image:Hayat Looye-cropped.jpg|150px|Hayat Looye]]
<h3>Hayat Looye</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Acting Senior Director, Strategic and Horizontal Policy Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada</p>
<p>Hayat Looye, a/ Senior Director, joined Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Strategic and Horizontal Policy Branch in January 2023. Before joining IRCC, Hayat was the Director ofPeople Management Analysis and Measurement at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, where she negotiated and built a strong partnership with Statistics Canada, transforming how the Government of Canada engages with its employees and resulting in the creation of Public Service Employee Engagement Initiative. </p>
<p>Hayat began her career in the public service with the department of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada in 2009 as a Data Analyst. Afterwards, she joined the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2010 and has since occupied various positions of increasing responsibilities within CRA. She has occupied the position of Chief of Staff to the Assistant Commissioner, Collections and Verification Branch, providing strategic and tactical advice and guidance on CRA priorities, overseeing, and supporting the Issues Management function. Before that, Hayat was Manager, Program Risks and Analysis Section, responsible to further advance the use of Business Intelligence and Advanced Analytics in one of CRA’s biggest operational programs. In her most recent capacity, Hayat served as the Director of Cabinet and Regulatory Affairs at IRCC where she played a crucial role in shaping policy and regulatory initiatives. </p>
<p>Academically, Hayat is a Participant of the CRA Leadership Development program from the 2017 cohort, and holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management, with a specialization in Change Management, from the University of Québec. Currently, Hayat is furthering her education with a second Master’s Degree in International Affairs at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA).</p>
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<p class="jobtitle">Director, Artificial Intelligence and Data Policy, Marketplace Framework Policy Branch, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Director, Artificial Intelligence and Data Policy, Marketplace Framework Policy Branch, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada</p>
<p>Surdas Mohit is the Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Policy at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, where he leads work in support of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Prior to joining ISED, Surdas worked at the intersection of technology and national security policy at Public Safety Canada. He has also worked in environmental and manufacturing policy and holds a Doctorate in Planetary Science from Washington University in St. Louis. </p>
<p>Surdas Mohit is the Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Policy at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, where he leads work in support of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Prior to joining ISED, Surdas worked at the intersection of technology and national security policy at Public Safety Canada. He has also worked in environmental and manufacturing policy and holds a Doctorate in Planetary Science from Washington University in St. Louis. </p>
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<p class="jobtitle">Director, Data-Driven Technologies, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Director, Data-Driven Technologies, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada</p>
<p>Steve Rennie is the Director of Data-Driven Technologies at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). In this role, he leads a division focused on advancing the responsible and ethical adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotic process automation. In June 2023, Steve and his team won the inaugural Public Service Data Challenge with a generative AI chatbot that offers conversational information on government programs in agriculture. Launching in February 2024, it marks the Government of Canada’s first public-facing generative AI chatbot. He also led the development of another AI tool that helps Access to Information officers quickly find duplicate documents and close matches, which AAFC has shared with other government departments and agencies. Prior to joining AAFC in 2021, he held progressively more senior roles at Natural Resources Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. A former journalist, Steve covered federal politics for nearly decade in the Parliamentary Bureau of the Canadian Press news agency and later served as the managing editor of Metro Ottawa.</p>
<p>Steve Rennie is the Director of Data-Driven Technologies at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). In this role, he leads a division focused on advancing the responsible and ethical adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotic process automation. In June 2023, Steve and his team won the inaugural Public Service Data Challenge with a generative AI chatbot that offers conversational information on government programs in agriculture. Launching in February 2024, it marks the Government of Canada’s first public-facing generative AI chatbot. He also led the development of another AI tool that helps Access to Information officers quickly find duplicate documents and close matches, which AAFC has shared with other government departments and agencies. Prior to joining AAFC in 2021, he held progressively more senior roles at Natural Resources Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. A former journalist, Steve covered federal politics for nearly decade in the Parliamentary Bureau of the Canadian Press news agency and later served as the managing editor of Metro Ottawa.</p>
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[[Image:John Schmitter photo.png|150px|John Schmitter]]
<h3>John Schmitter</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, RailState</p>
<p>John Schmitter is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of RailState, a provider of rail network visibility data and insights. RailState empowers rail users to optimize operations with real-time, unbiased data on rail network capacity, congestion, and performance. John has more than 40 years of experience in rail transportation, including work at railroads, for rail services companies, and through a long-standing practice in logistics consulting.</p>
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[[Image:Roksana Sheikholmolouki photo.jpeg|150px|Roksana Sheikholmolouki]]
<h3>Roksana Sheikholmolouki</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Data Scientist, Data and Emerging Technologies team, Canadian Space Agency</p>
<p>Roksana Sheikholmolouki serves as a Data Scientist at the Data and Emerging Technologies team of the Canadian Space Agency. Roksana is passionate about the impacts and benefits of the satellite data on Earth. As part of her role, she leads the technical efforts related to the restoration of historical data from the Alouette and ISIS satellites Launched in 1962 and 1969 respectively, these satellites offer invaluable insights into the ionosphere of 1960s and 70s.</p>
<p>Currently, she is a Master of Science candidate in Geomatics and Remote Sensing at the University of Sherbrooke.</p>
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<p>Carol holds a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and Statistics from McMaster University and a bachelor’s degree from Mount Allison University. She currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario.</p>
<p>Carol holds a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and Statistics from McMaster University and a bachelor’s degree from Mount Allison University. She currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario.</p>
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[[Image:Christopher Zakhem Headshot.jpg|150px|Christopher Zakhem]]
<h3>Christopher Zakhem</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Director of Innovation & Analytics, Chief Data Office, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada</p>
<p>Christopher Zakhem is the Director of Innovation & Analytics, within ISED’s Chief Data Office, Digital Transformation Service Sector. In this role, he is responsible for data science operations including the implementation of key components of the Departmental Data Strategy, data architecture, data visualization, and collaboration on applied AI projects.</p>
<p>Christopher joined ISED in 2014, and has worked across multiple sectors within the department, including in the areas of digital technology, and AI policy, where he helped launch and support the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence. Prior to joining ISED, he worked at the Privy Council Office, Senior Personnel Secretariat. He is a graduate of Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, and has spent a number of years as an entrepreneur in the digital tech industry.</p>
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<h2>Moderators</h2>
<h2>Moderators</h2>
[[Image:Nadia Ahmad photo.jpg|150px|Nadia Ahmad]]
<h3>Nadia Ahmad</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Director General, Data and Evaluation, Global Affairs Canada</p>
<p>Nadia Ahmad is the Director General of Data and Evaluation at Global Affairs Canada. In this capacity she serves as both Chief Data Officer and Head of Evaluation. Nadia is committed to building and nurturing diverse and inclusive teams and contributing data-derived insights to inform decision-making and foster more impactful policies, programs, and services. Nadia has held several executive positions within the Department. From 2007-2009, in her capacity as Director in the Afghanistan Task Force, she was responsible for Canada’s bilateral relationship with Afghanistan. In August 2009, as the Director of Environmental Issues and Community Outreach in the Summits Management Office, Nadia was responsible for ensuring that the G8 and G20 Summits hosted in Canada were sustainably managed. Nadia took on the role of Director of the North America Partnerships and Operations Division in 2010, where she led efforts to promote Canadian interests in the U.S. and Mexico. Joining the Sub-Saharan Africa Branch in 2013, Nadia was first responsible for Canada’s bilateral relationships with countries in North Africa and then served as Director of Pan-Africa Affairs, where she provided leadership on cross-cutting thematic issues of importance to Canada and the continent. Prior to assuming her current position, Nadia served as Director General of Geographic Coordination and Mission Support, where she brought coherence, innovation and a results-based approach to support the work of Headquarters and Canada’s diplomatic missions abroad.</p>
<p>Nadia holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University and a Master of Laws from the University of Ottawa.</p>
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[[Image:Kent Aitken photo.jpg|150px|Kent Aitken]]
<h3>Kent Aitken</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Director, Learning Products, Digital Academy, Canada School of Public Service</p>
<p>Kent works in public sector technology and innovation as a practitioner, researcher, advisor, and executive. He’s currently the Director of Learning Products at the CSPS Digital Academy, a learning organization designed to support digital capacity and initiatives across the Government of Canada. Primarily a Government of Canada public servant since 2009, he adds experience from sojourns outside of government including the Prime Ministers of Canada Fellowship at the Public Policy Forum to study and advise on governance in the digital age and the OECD to work with countries around the world on public sector innovation.</p>
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[[Image:Kara Beckles photo 2024.png|150px|Kara Beckles]]
[[Image:Kara Beckles photo 2024.png|150px|Kara Beckles]]
<p class="jobtitle">Director of Indigenous Strategy, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Director of Indigenous Strategy, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada</p>
<p>Dr. Karine Duhamel (she/her) is an Anishinaabe-Métis historian and an off-reserve member of Red Rock Indian Band in northwestern Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Masters degree and Ph.D. in history. She has extensive expertise and experience in dialogue-based approaches to research and engagement, including in her role as Director of Research for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) from 2018 to the end of its mandate in 2019 and as Chair of the National Action Plan Data Sub-Working Group from 2020 to 2021. In 2021, she was awarded the Bruce and Lis Welch Community Dialogue Award through the Simon J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University. In 2022, she joined the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada as Director of Indigenous Strategy, working to implement the Strengthening Indigenous Research Capacity initiative to better support Indigenous research and research training in Canada. In addition to her role as a public servant, she is an official Speaker for the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, an Indigenous fellow at Simon Fraser University, and a Research Affiliate of the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba. </p>
<p>Dr. Karine Duhamel (she/her) is an Anishinaabe-Métis historian and an off-reserve member of Red Rock Indian Band in northwestern Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Masters degree and Ph.D. in history. She has extensive expertise and experience in dialogue-based approaches to research and engagement, including in her role as Director of Research for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) from 2018 to the end of its mandate in 2019 and as Chair of the National Action Plan Data Sub-Working Group from 2020 to 2021. In 2021, she was awarded the Bruce and Lis Welch Community Dialogue Award through the Simon J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University. In 2022, she joined the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada as Director of Indigenous Strategy, working to implement the Strengthening Indigenous Research Capacity initiative to better support Indigenous research and research training in Canada. In addition to her role as a public servant, she is an official Speaker for the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, an Indigenous fellow at Simon Fraser University, and a Research Affiliate of the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba. </p>
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[[Image:Dr. Somaieh Nikpoor photo.png|150px|Somaieh Nikpoor]]
<h3>Somaieh Nikpoor</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Lead, Data Science and AI Strategy, Transport Canada</p>
<p>Somaieh Nikpoor is a researcher, advocate, and mentor working at the intersection of AI, data, and policy. She is a lead for AI and Data Science at Transport Canada. She designs AI and analytics road maps based on organizational readiness and leads various initiatives on data science and AI. She is passionate about the responsible development and application of AI technologies and is currently collaborating with academia and non-profit organizations to curate and generate original content that will help others navigate through various AI ethics and AI policy topics and concepts.</p>
<p>Before joining Transport Canada, Somaieh held an advisory role for AI and machine learning at ESDC – Labour Program. Somaieh has also worked at the Advanced Analytics Lab within Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, where she led the development and delivery of several analytical products. Somaieh holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Ottawa.</p>
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[[Image:Erin O'Sullivan photo.jpg|150px|Erin O'Sullivan]]
<h3>Erin O'Sullivan</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Director, Data Innovation and Partnerships, Indigenous Services Canada</p>
<p>Erin has been with Indigenous Services Canada and working with Indigenous data for more than 22 years. She obtained her Master’s degree in sociology from the University of Western Ontario and her doctorate from McMaster University, where she specialized in qualitative and quantitative research methods. In the past several years, she has increasingly focused on issues surrounding data governance and management, particularly as they relate to Indigenous data sovereignty; and recently moved into the field of program evaluation. </p>
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<p>Prior to joining the federal government, Mr. Sarantakis was a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto. He holds a B.A. and an M.A. from York University in Toronto, as well as an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management’s Institute of Corporate Directors Education Program, holding the ICD.D designation.</p>
<p>Prior to joining the federal government, Mr. Sarantakis was a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto. He holds a B.A. and an M.A. from York University in Toronto, as well as an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management’s Institute of Corporate Directors Education Program, holding the ICD.D designation.</p>
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[[Image:DM Arun Thangaraj-cropped.jpg|150px|Arun Thangaraj]]
<h3>Arun Thangaraj</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Deputy Minister, Transport Canada</p>
<p>Arun Thangaraj was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport on February 20, 2023.</p>
<p>Before joining Transport Canada, Arun was the Associate Deputy Minister at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, following two years as the Associate Deputy Minister at Transport Canada. </p>
<p>Before these roles, he was Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer at Global Affairs Canada and was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the former Canadian International Development Agency. He also brings experience and knowledge on transportation issues, from his time at the Canadian Transportation Agency from 2002 to 2011.</p>
<p>Arun is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and an Honours BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto.</p>
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<h3>Vanessa Vermette</h3>
<h3>Vanessa Vermette</h3>
<p class="jobtitle">Vice-President, Innovation and Skills Development, Canada School of Public Service</p>
<p class="jobtitle">Vice-President, Innovation and Skills Development, Canada School of Public Service</p>
<p>Vanessa Vermette is currently the Vice-President of Innovation and Skills Development at the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS). In this role she is responsible for the Digital Academy, Transferable Skills, and Public Sector Innovation teams. She has also served as the Director General of Communications and Engagement at the CSPS, and has served in other executive positions at the School and at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. In addition, she has worked at the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada, and Infrastructure Canada in both policy and communications and has over 20 years of experience in the public service. In her current role, Vanessa actively supports the Government of Canada’s digital and data mandate and its digital and data communities, and leads efforts to advance digital government and public sector innovation through learning. Vanessa is the first Chair of the Digital Governance Standards Institute, Canada’s only accredited standards development body focused exclusively on setting and managing digital technology governance standards. Vanessa holds a Master’s of Public Health from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and is passionate about equipping public servants with the skills and tools they need to succeed in meeting the needs of Canadians.</p>
<p>Vanessa Vermette is currently the Vice-President of Innovation and Skills Development at the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS). In this role she is responsible for the Digital Academy, Transferable Skills, and Public Sector Innovation teams. She has also served as the Director General of Communications and Engagement at the CSPS, and has served in other executive positions at the School and at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. In addition, she has worked at the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada, and Infrastructure Canada in both policy and communications and has over 20 years of experience in the public service. In her current role, Vanessa actively supports the Government of Canada’s digital and data mandate and its digital and data communities, and leads efforts to advance digital government and public sector innovation through learning. Vanessa is the first Chair of the Digital Governance Standards Institute, Canada’s only accredited standards development body focused exclusively on setting and managing digital technology governance standards. Vanessa holds a Master’s of Public Health from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and is passionate about equipping public servants with the skills and tools they need to succeed in meeting the needs of Canadians.</p>
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