Delivering AI-Enabled Services to Canadians

Turning Ambition into Action for the Government of Canada

Event Overview

The Government of Canada’s AI Strategy outlines a bold path forward for the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, anchored in four key pillars:

• Central AI Capacity
• Policy, Legislation, and Governance
• Talent and Training
• Engagement, Transparency, and Value to Canadians

At its core, this strategy envisions a federal government whose computing, data, and technology capabilities inspire public trust through the delivery of AI-enabled services. But with such an ambitious mandate—where should departments and agencies begin?

What problems should be tackled first? Which solutions are worth investing in? How should priorities be set?

This timely session, led by business and technology experts from Levio, will explore these critical questions and provide best practices to help federal organizations—and their corporate partners—adopt AI in a way that is responsible, efficient, and effective.

We will also examine what it means to deploy AI systems safely and securely, highlighting real-world considerations, regulatory trends, and proven frameworks for minimizing risk while maximizing impact.

Agenda

Moderators

Linda Forrester, Executive Consultant and Consulting Manager, Levio

Linda Forrester has spent the better part of the two decades helping organizations navigate the messy reality of transformation—where policy meets practice, where stakeholder interests collide, and where good ideas need to become workable solutions.

At Levio, she works primarily with federal departments and Crown corporations on the kind of challenges that don't have easy answers: shifting large organizations toward product management approaches, modernizing coast-to-coast service delivery, and bringing together agencies that don't naturally collaborate to solve problems that affect the lives of Canadians. Her work has informed Minister-level briefings on national security matters and shaped how government delivers digital services at scale.

A Telfer Executive MBA graduate, Linda holds a Bachelor of Design and certifications in change management, process redesign, and AI business strategy. But mostly, she's someone who genuinely enjoys the puzzle of public sector transformation and believes that better government operations make a real difference in people's everyday experiences.

Anne-Marie Côté, Co-Lead, Marketing and Communications, Levio

Anne-Marie Côté brings nearly 20 years of experience in communications, project management, and team leadership. She has been with Levio for almost four years—two years as Team Lead and now as Co-Lead—helping shape the firm’s strategic positioning and client engagement.

Before joining Levio, Anne-Marie held senior roles in fundraising and event communications, leading large-scale initiatives for major Canadian institutions and cultural organizations. Her work has spanned national alumni relations, multi-day event programs, and cross-disciplinary strategy development.

Anne-Marie holds a BA in Communication from the Université de Montréal and a graduate diploma in Management from HEC Montréal. She is actively involved in Levio’s ESG Committee and co-leads the Women’s Leadership Program, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and equity.

Richard St-Pierre, Senior Sovereignty Advisor, Levio

Richard St-Pierre builds what nations need to stay sovereign in a digital world. As Senior Sovereignty Advisor at Levio, he helps governments and critical-infrastructure leaders design secure, resilient data and AI ecosystems. As General Manager of Canada’s first Quantum Innovation Zone, he stood up the infrastructure and partnerships—from IBM Quantum resources to QKD communication networks—anchoring a $435M Quebec initiative. Previously President of C2 International and named a Top 10 Innovator by BizBash in 2017, Richard has led major transformations across public health, justice, and telecom after senior roles with EY, CGI, and Bell Atlantic. He studied finance at HEC Montréal, completed executive training at Harvard, and earned Oxford’s Blockchain Strategy Programme credential.

At Levio, Richard turns sovereignty into strategy—aligning policy, architecture, and procurement so sensitive data stays protected while innovation scales. He forges coalitions across universities, startups, and global firms to move breakthroughs from lab to market—secure networks, applied research, and industry pilots.

Speakers

Kevin Tetreault, Associate Executive Director, Professional Development Institute, University of Ottawa

Kevin Tetreault is the Associate Executive Director at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute (PDI), where he leads a talented bilingual team dedicated to delivering world-class education and continuing professional development to Canadians and learners worldwide.

Before joining PDI, Kevin spent over a decade in public affairs, advising some of the world’s leading technology companies on their strategies and relationships with the Canadian public sector.

Kevin is a proud graduate of the Telfer Executive MBA program, Carleton University’s Master’s in Political Management program, and holds a Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Political Science from the University of Ottawa. He is also a former infantry reservist with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (CHofO).

Kara Beckles, Executive Director within the Privacy and Responsible Data Division at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)

As an active and experienced data leader in the Government of Canada, Kara has held various executive positions across the public service, including Chief Data Officer and Director General of Data and Information Services at the Privy Council Office (PCO), Director General of Data Integration in PCO’s Result and Delivery Unit, and Chief Economist at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. She has also held various strategic, policy and analytical roles at Finance Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, Statistics Canada, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and PCO. Kara holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and business from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Arts in economics from Dalhousie University.

Stephen Karam, Partner, Canadian Public Sector, Levio

Stephen Karam is one of Canada’s foremost experts in government transformation and digital innovation. With over 30 years of experience working with more than 50 federal departments and agencies, he has led some of the Government of Canada’s most significant initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), digital government, service modernization, and business transformation. Stephen advises senior executives on complex transformations, bridging policy, operations, and technology to deliver practical, high-impact results.

Stephen has led pioneering AI initiatives in government, including AgPal, Gs&Cs AI Discovery, and ISED’s Service to Business experiment. He positions AI as a strategic enabler, pairing it with governance and design thinking to drive transformation. His experience spans major departments across Canada, supporting priorities from service modernization to border security.

Inga Dobrijevic, AI Solutions & Efficiency Lead, Public Safety Canada

Inga Dobrijevic is a digital innovation leader with over 20 years of experience spanning government transformation and entrepreneurial ventures. As Director of Transformation and Innovation, she leads multidisciplinary teams driving AI, data, and service modernization. Blending public-sector insight with private-sector agility, Inga is known for her collaborative, human-centered approach that bridges strategy, technology, and people to create meaningful impact. She is passionate about developing digital talent, empowering future leaders, and advancing the representation of women in senior executive roles across the Government of Canada.

Manu Singh, CIO and Chief Services and Digital Officer, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

With over two decades of experience in the government's digital realm, Manu Singh has honed his expertise across multiple departments and agencies, including CBSA, CNSC, CRA, and the Treasury Board Secretariat, where he served as a policy chief in digital communications. His journey has been a tapestry of diverse learnings and collaborations.

At the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Manu takes pride in leading a team of talented professionals who bring their expertise in technology analysis, information management and information technology to support the organization's mandate of protecting and promoting the privacy rights of Canadians.

Manu's academic background is a blend of computer science, biology, and psychology, reflecting his multifaceted interests and curiosity. His true passion lies in fostering collaborative environments that deliver remarkable results for people, harnessing the power of diverse perspectives towards collective ingenuity.

With a wealth of experience, a multidisciplinary mindset, and a commitment to excellence, Manu continues to drive innovation and shape the digital landscape, ensuring that privacy remains a cornerstone of our increasingly connected world.

Melanie Mohammed, Director General of Transformation, Department of Canadian Heritage

Melanie Mohammed is a strategic and versatile public sector executive recognized for leading complex and transformative initiatives. With a multidisciplinary background spanning ethics, technology, language, and education, she brings a distinctive, systems-level approach to modernizing government programs and services.

Throughout her public sector career, Melanie has held diverse roles that have drawn on her leadership in shaping policy, strengthening governance, and improving service delivery. She is known for her ability to navigate complexity with clarity, build alignment across organizations, and advance meaningful, measurable change. Her work is grounded in curiosity, analytical rigour, and a commitment to strengthening public institutions for the people they serve.

Melanie holds a Graduate Diploma in Public Ethics, a Certificate in Computer Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Arts in French with a Certificate in Translation.

Scott Taylor, Director General, Digital Enablement at Shared Services Canada

After completing High School (1985) and a Diploma (1987) in Computer Science, Scott joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1989, as a Maritime Surface/Sub-Surface (MARS) Officer. Scott served as a Regular Force MARS officers stationed in Halifax. Scott left the Regular Force in Nov 1998 but stayed in uniform as a Class A Reservist with HMCS CARLETON in Ottawa until 2007.

Between 1998 and 2005 Scott worked as an Information Technology (IT) professional in the private sector and fulfilled many different roles, such as Data Center Manager, Database Administrator, Security Architect, Wireless and Network Administrators.

In 2005 Scott joined the Information Management (IM) Group within Canada’s Department of National Defence. Scott had various roles within National Defence primarily in the ERP space. In 2011 Scott was appointed as the Director of Information Management Capability Development working for the Defence CIO.

In January 2017 Scott moved to Shared Service Canada as the Senior Director Service Delivery Management (SDM) Executive responsible for the National Defence and Veterans Affairs Portfolio. In 2019 Scott was appointed as the Director General Security Management and Governance in Shared Services Canada and was responsible for Enterprise Risk Management, Security Architecture and the departmental Cyber Program.

In 2022 Scott was appointed as the Director General Digital Enablement within the Chief Technology Branch of Shared Services Canada. In that role, Scott currently leads a group of highly skilled professionals tasked with research and development of new, innovative and disruptive technologies with the goal of defining the future digital roadmaps for services delivered by Shared Services Canada and its Government of Canada Partners. This Program includes, among other things, ideation and experimentation in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, Edge Compute, Internet of Things, Software Defined Infrastructure, Zero Trust and Cloud Hosting.

Vernon von Finckenstein, Director General, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Vernon von Finckenstein is a seasoned public sector executive with over two decades of experience leading digital transformation, procurement modernization, and AI strategy across the Government of Canada. Known for his visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Vernon has been instrumental in reshaping public service delivery through agile procurement practices—most notably in the modernization efforts surrounding the Phoenix Pay system.

As a founding member of the GC Digital Standards and the GC Enterprise Architecture Review Board, Vernon has helped define the core principles that underpin Canada’s digital government evolution. His commitment to responsible innovation is evident in his leadership of the IRCC AI Strategy, where he ensured ethical, transparent, and effective deployment of AI within immigration services.

Currently serving as Director General of Digital Strategy and Innovation at IRCC, Vernon oversees the AI Centre of Excellence, Project Delivery, and Digital Strategy teams. His work focuses on driving technological advancement, fostering readiness for emerging challenges, and aligning digital initiatives with departmental and Government of Canada priorities.

Noha Rahal, PhD Acting Director, Digital Transformation Service Sector (DTSS), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Noha Rahal is a recognized leader in digital transformation and inclusive design within the Canadian federal public service. With a PhD focused on enabling AI in government, Noha brings deep expertise in ethical AI, public sector innovation, and the development of in-house digital talent.

She has played a pivotal role in initiatives that advance human-centred digital transformation, incorporating sound change management practices and fostering a digital and agile mindset across teams. She emphasizes responsible AI adoption, ensuring that emerging technologies are deployed in ways that are transparent, equitable, and aligned with public values.

Driven by a deep passion for equity for all, Noha is actively involved in and Chairs several networks that promote inclusion and psychological safety in the workplace.

James Nguyen, Co-Founder and CEO, Quantropi

James Nguyen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Quantropi, a pioneering quantum-secure communications company established in 2018. Alongside Dr. Randy Kaung, James is dedicated to upholding truth and trust in the global digital economy. Under his leadership, Quantropi has accomplished major milestones. These include being recognized as the Best Fiduciary Board at the inaugural 2024 Canada’s Best Private Boards program, becoming a NATO-approved supplier, receiving the 2023 Future in Review – FiRe Starter award, and being named a 2022 Deloitte Fast 50 company.

James’s contributions to the industry have earned him numerous personal accolades, including the 2023 CanadianSME National Entrepreneur of the Year award and being recognized as Ottawa’s Top Forty Under 40 recipient. James holds a degree in Economics from Carleton University.

Before founding Quantropi, he served as the Chief Investment Officer and VP of Asia Operations for a diverse group of private and public interests involved in real estate, mining, energy storage, and manufacturing. In these roles, he was responsible for strategy, banking, and global expansions, successfully securing substantial investments and partnerships.

Pascal Leblanc CEO and CTO, Mantle

Pascal is a serial entrepreneur and strategist who can count two successful exits in technology sector. Active in the Bitcoin space early on, Pascal has been contributing to various project as a founder, investor or advisor.

Between 2016 and 2018, Pascal has contributed to Ernst & Young's Blockchain Advisory Practice and he is known to promote thought leadership through conferences and media articles.

Pascal is currently the founder of Mantle, an innovative cybersecurity startup. Mantle safeguards data by exploding it into unusable fragments for a cheaper, safer and more sovereign solution.