Alex Benay

It’s an exciting time for digital government in Canada.

Last year was a big year for digital government. We made a lot of progress advancing digital initiatives and celebrated many great achievements.

As part of our ongoing work to explore a future HR and pay solution for the government, I wanted to update you on our progress, particularly in terms of our efforts to engage and consult.

The Government of Canada (GC) has made important progress on the digital government agenda in 2018, but it was not without its challenges. This past year, the GC committed to moving the needle forward on some crucial pieces to help lay the foundation for success in its digital endeavours in 2019 and beyond.

Building on the Government of Canada’s (GC) digital achievements outlined by Minister Brison November 7, and in support of our commitments under the 4th Plan on Open Government, we are chalking up additional milestones across government in pursuit of providing better digital services.

By Alex Benay, Chief Information Officer of Canada

Things are moving quickly with everyone here in the NextGen team, and we’re making good progress in exploring options for a new HR and Pay solution for the Government of Canada.

Building upon the announcement of the latest iteration of the Government of Canada's Digital 'Standards', I'd like to share an update on the development of a new Digital Policy to support federal departments and agencies in our joint effort to operate effectively as a digital government.

AI has quickly emerged as a disruptive technology that is rewiring the way we interact with the world. For example, it’s being used in our media, health, financial, and transportation systems. It’s a technology that is becoming more pervasive and will have profound impacts for years to come.

Fall is often a time when we reflect on the past and plan for the future …

In my last blog in August, “Next Generation HR and Pay, and how we’re going to do things differently”, I invited people to submit their thoughts on what a next-generation pay system should be capable of, and how it should work.

As the President recently announced, the Government of Canada is taking steps towards the creation of a new pay system. It’s important and exciting work, and we’re committed to doing things differently.

On the heels of the Prime Minister announcing that the President of the Treasury Board would assume an expanded role as the first Canadian Minister of Digital Government, I want to provide you with an update on our efforts to develop a new Digital Policy that will help transition the Government of Canada into the digital era.

As the Government of Canada continues its forward march into digital space, my public service colleagues are tackling the inevitable challenges that accompany such a fundamental change in how we do business and serve the public.

The Government of Canada is committed to openness and transparency. When we open government, we need to open it to all Canadians, regardless of their accessibility needs.