Data Conference 2022 Agenda

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Brought to you by Statistics Canada and the Canada School of Public Service with support from the GC Data Community

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

10:00 to 11:00 am - Pre-event networking

Find people to connect with:

• Meet others through our Wonder.me networking space
• Chat with others attending the conference with GCmessage
• Post a message on the GC Data Community forums on GCcollab
• Join in on the conversation on Twitter using #GCData2022

11:00 to 11:30 am - Opening plenary

• Emcees open Data Conference 2022
• Tom Dufour, Director General, Strategic Data Management Branch, Statistics Canada
• Kara Beckles, Director General, Data Integrity, Privy Council Office
• Opening remarks
• Anil Arora, Chief Statistician of Canada, Statistics Canada
• Taki Sarantakis, President, Canada School of Public Service

11:30 am to 12:30 pm - Concurrent sessions

DATA FOUNDATIONS

Health data strategies and data sharing

Over the past two years, national health data has been brought to the forefront of the conversation about health. It revealed much-needed improvements for the well-being of Canadians. In addition to highlighting the challenges and solutions regarding national health data strategies, this session will focus on how the Government of Canada can enhance partnerships with all jurisdictions to resolve health data gaps and improve emergency response through reliable and timely data.

• Eric Sutherland, Executive Director, Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy
• James Van Loon, Chief Data Officer, Health Canada
• Moderated by Lynn Barr-Telford, Assistant Chief Statistician, Social, Health and Labour Statistics Field, Statistics Canada

DATA AS A PUBLIC GOOD

Building the future with responsible Artificial Intelligence

Technology is driving changes in all spheres of life and transforming the way information is consumed. Organizations are embracing new digital sources of data and new methods such as artificial intelligence (AI) to better serve society. Learn from expert AI leaders in the private sector, academia and the federal government about recent advances in AI, examples of AI use for public good, and responsible AI methods.

• Foteini Agrafioti, Chief Science Officer, RBC and Head, Borealis AI
• Cynthia Rudin, Professor of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, statistical science, mathematics, and biostatistics & bioinformatics, Duke University
• Benoit Deshaies, Acting Director of data and artificial intelligence, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
• Moderated by Sevgui Erman, Director and Chief Data Scientist, Statistics Canada

DATA INSIGHTS THROUGH COLLABORATION

Data access and partnerships to inform the public

Breaking down barriers to data access is paramount for research and development, evidence-based decision-making and communicating with Canadians. Find out what has been done to enhance data access for researchers and get an overview of the Canadian Research Data Centre Network and the services it provides. Topics of discussion include research, partnerships, challenges and successes, and how the public sector and the Network can collaborate for greater success.

• Johanne Provençal, Research Program Director, Canadian Research Data Centre Network
• Ted McDonald, Director, New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training, and Professor, University of New Brunswick
• Celine Teo, MSc, PhD student, Social epidemiology, Brock University
• Sukhdeep Kaur, Epidemiologist, Niagara Region Public Health (Co-winner National Policy Challenge)

1:00 to 2:00 pm - Keynote address

Leveraging data as a competitive advantage and the role of the public sector

Leveraging the value of data is directly linked to the speed and scale of how it is gathered, shared and used. The federal government must ensure that data is secure and protected against threats while leveraging it for public good. Can sound management strategies for data assets and IT systems confidentiality help to build and protect data as a competitive advantage for Canadians? This keynote by Melissa Hathaway will bring a unique perspective on the intersection of government policy, developing technological and industry trends, and the economic drivers that impact acquisition and strategy.

• Melissa Hathaway, President, Hathaway Global Strategies LLC
• Introduced by Taki Sarantakis, President, Canada School of Public Service

2:30 to 3:30 pm - Concurrent sessions

DATA FOUNDATIONS

Data literacy

What are the key elements that enable organizations to shift to a data literacy that is, in addition to being inclusive of all mindsets, using an accessible, diverse and inclusive approach? Topics during this session include: the need for a culture shift and change management; how data literacy is not just about training; the need to measure, map and develop; and acknowledging both top-down and bottom-up (grassroots) initiatives. The speakers will draw on the experiences of public service and private sector organizations that are leaders in the field and will highlight the factors for success and the ongoing challenges and barriers.

• Jane Crofts, Founder and CEO, Data To The People
• Valerie Logan, CEO and Founder, The Data Lodge, Inc
• Moderated by Erica Vezeau, Director General, Digital Academy, Canada School of Public Service

DATA AS A PUBLIC GOOD

Digital and data transformation

The mass adoption of technology has forced Canadians to change the way they work and interact. Also, it has challenged organizations to remain relevant and competitive as technologies evolve quickly. This session will concentrate on how the Government of Canada is transforming by using data as an asset and digital technologies. The discussion will also address the investments and commitments needed to support data transformation in the long term.

• Shaifa Kanji, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Digital Officer, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
• Ima Okonny, Chief Data Officer, Employment and Social Development Canada
• Sandy Kyriakatos, Chief Data Officer, Canada Border Services Agency
• Moderated by Christopher Allison, Director General and Chief Data Officer, Centre for Data Management, Innovation and Analytics, Corporate Data and Surveillance Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada

DATA INSIGHTS THROUGH COLLABORATION

Data to support the environment and climate change

As the urgency for action on climate change continues to grow, data is needed to enhance our understanding of the issue and inform efforts across sectors. This session will focus on the need for open-data sharing, science and partnerships to provide insights for decision-making that will contribute towards a net-zero Canada. Learn how leading federal organizations are helping to secure a healthy environment for future generations with initiatives like Climate Science 2050, Canada’s Energy Future, and the Clean Tech Data Strategy.

• Shawn Marshall, Departmental Science Advisor, Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Ryan Hum, Vice-President of Data and Chief Information Officer, Canada Energy Regulator
• Moderated by François Soulard, Research Manager, Environment Energy Statistics Division, Statistics Canada

3:50 to 4:45 pm - Fireside chat

Role of data and the digitalization of government

Data is the fuel and digital processes are the engine; they are interdependent and the drivers of change worldwide. Harnessing the power of this interdependency allows federal organizations to improve operational efficiencies, innovate how they work, and improve the way they engage with Canadians. As this interdependency increases, the Government of Canada must demonstrate that the use of data and digital processes adhere to sound governance that includes transparency and accountability, while protecting privacy and fostering trust.

• Catherine Luelo, Chief Information Officer of Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
• Interviewed by Vidya Shankarnarayan, Assistant Deputy Minister, Information Systems Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

4:45 to 4:50 pm - Closing remarks

• Crystal Sewards, Manager, Office of the Chief Data Officer, Statistics Canada
• Christopher Valiquet, Director, GC Data Community, Canada School of Public Service

5:00 to 6:00 pm - Post Day 1 networking

Find people to connect with:

• Meet others through our Wonder.me networking space
• Chat with others attending the conference with GCmessage
• Post a message on the GC Data Community forums on GCcollab
• Join in on the conversation on Twitter using #GCData2022

Thursday, February 24, 2022

10:00 to 11:00 am - Pre-Day 2 networking

Find people to connect with:

• Meet others through our Wonder.me networking space
• Chat with others attending the conference with GCmessage
• Post a message on the GC Data Community forums on GCcollab
• Join in on the conversation on Twitter using #GCData2022

11:00 to 11:15 am - Opening plenary

• Emcees open Data Conference 2022
• Tom Dufour, Director General, Strategic Data Management Branch, Statistics Canada
• Kara Beckles, Director General, Data Integrity, Privy Council Office
• Welcome message

11:15 am to 12:15 pm - Concurrent sessions

DATA FOUNDATIONS

New perspectives on Indigenous data

Advancing reconciliation is central to the nation-to-nation relationships between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples across Canada. Collaboration with Indigenous partners and support for Indigenous-led data and research capacity will enable the development and implementation of solutions for using data and data technologies to contribute to safer, healthier, and economically resilient Indigenous communities. How will these collaborations and solutions bridge the gap between policy objectives and practice? What new perspectives and approaches are needed to build trust and cooperation to move forward?

• Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister, Indigenous Services Canada
• Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
• Harold Calla, Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board

DATA AS A PUBLIC GOOD

Artificial Intelligence-driven service delivery for Canadians

We are in an era of continuous social and technological change. As a result, the Government of Canada must evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly digital population. Learn about how the Government of Canada is using AI to deliver high-quality and timely services to Canadians in the digital era. Other topics include successful service delivery throughout the pandemic, existing challenges and the future uses of AI to better serve Canadians.n

• Martin Lessard, Director, Data Science Division, Employment and Social Development Canada
• Saeid Molladavoudi, Senior data science advisor, Data Science Division, Statistics Canada
• Maryam Haghighi, Director, Data Science, Bank of Canada
• Moderated by Yvan Gauthier, Head, Artificial Intelligence Accelerator, National Research Council of Canada

DATA INSIGHTS THROUGH COLLABORATION

Disaggregated data: Equity, diversity and inclusion

Countries around the world have committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including the principle to leave no one behind. Disaggregated data is key to achieving this goal. These data can provide insights about vulnerable sub-populations, and hidden trends can be identified to improve decision and policy-making. Topics include: the importance of disaggregated data with emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion to bring about representation for all in Canadian policies; challenges due to data gaps and how to resolve these issues; and insights that can improve the lives of Canadians.

• Shaida Badiee, Managing Director, Open Data Watch
• Howard Ramos, University of Western Ontario
• Moderated by Jeff Latimer, Director General, Health, Justice, Diversity and Populations, Statistics Canada

12:45 to 1:45 pm - Fireside chat

Data as a competitive advantage for Canada: The benefits of a data and digitally enabled public service

A data and digitally enabled public service, firmly grounded in principles of sound data stewardship, including frameworks designed around standards, quality, ethics, trust and privacy can be seen as the key to using data as a competitive advantage and the fuel to a data driven economy. Panelists will discuss Canada’s Digital Charter and commitments towards sustainable growth, how to actively use standards as a competitive advantage and how the Government of Canada can become an enabler for responsible data use towards a stronger and more innovative Canada.

• Anil Arora, Chief Statistician of Canada, Statistics Canada
• Chantal Guay, CEO, Standards Council of Canada
• Francis Bilodeau, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
• Interviewed by Taki Sarantakis, President, Canada School of Public Service

2:15 to 3:15 pm - Concurrent sessions

DATA FOUNDATIONS

Data-fueled economic recovery and strategic global competitiveness

The pandemic forced global economies to pivot how they work and how they do business. As businesses and organizations moved permanently online, and working from home has become the norm, will these shifts contribute to a robust post-pandemic economy? How should Canada strategically leverage data and digitized processes to drive its economic recovery and global competitiveness?

• Stephen Tapp, Chief Economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Marie-France Paquet, Chief Economist, Global Affairs Canada
• Moderated by Greg Peterson, Assistant Chief Statistician, Economic Statistics, Statistics Canada

DATA AS A PUBLIC GOOD

Data technologies and data as a public good

Data technologies have evolved quickly and governments sometimes struggle to keep up with safeguarding them. What is being done in Canada and other countries to harness the benefits of new data technologies for public good? Points of consideration include the evolving context, advantages, and potential risks of data and data technologies on social, environmental and economic change.

• Stefaan G Verhulst, Co-Founder and Chief Research and Development Office, Governance Laboratory, New York University
• Jennifer Miller, Director General, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
• Moderated by Marc Brouillard, Chief Digital Officer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DATA INSIGHTS THROUGH COLLABORATION

Information-enabled data sharing

Data-driven decision-making is essential to the operations of the Government of Canada. As federal organizations become increasingly data-driven, how can they share timely, high-quality data and manage information to meet their needs? Learn about the benefits and challenges of data-sharing agreements and platforms within and between federal organizations (for example, expanding horizontality through data interoperability and partnerships across the Government of Canada).

• Stephen Burt,Assistant Deputy Minister, Data, Innovation, Analytics, Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces
• Pierre Desrochers, Director/Chief Privacy Officer, Office of the Privacy Management and Information Coordination, Statistics Canada
• Moderated by Sonya Read, Assistant Secretary, Digital and Services Policy, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

3:35 to 4:30 pm - Keynote address

Privacy Frameworks and data for public good

In May 2020, Chantal Bernier wrote about how Canada has a framework to provide privacy protection while also collecting data. The Government of Canada must strengthen its trust relationship with Canadians as it depends on both identifiable and unidentifiable data to be relevant and competitive in this digital world. These data are key to the success and acceleration of innovation in Canada. Let's discuss how to manage these data for the collective good while maintaining privacy.

• Chantal Bernier, National Practice Leader, Privacy and Cybersecurity, Dentons
• Introduced by Eric Rancourt, Director General, Modern Statistical Methods and Data Science, Statistics Canada

4:30 to 5:00 pm - Summary

• André Loranger, Assistant Chief Statistician, Strategic Data Management, Methods and Analysis, Statistics Canada
• Neil Bouwer, Vice-President, Canada School of Public Service

5:00 to 6:00 pm - Post event networking

Find people to connect with:

• Meet others through our Wonder.me networking space
• Chat with others attending the conference with GCmessage
• Post a message on the GC Data Community forums on GCcollab
• Join in on the conversation on Twitter using #GCData2022

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