Events
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August 27, 1:30 to 3:00 pm (ET). This event features Jutta Treviranus, PhD, Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre at Ontario College of Art and Design University, who will present her research and share her insights into what AI reveals and what it obscures, especially for people with disabilities. She will also explore the intersection of AI, inclusion and accessibility, including where automation and assistive technologies could help remove barriers for people with disabilities.
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August 13. By showcasing a sampling of departments, the Federal Youth Network and its partners will guide you on your public service journey. Throughout the summer, join us every Tuesday to hear about cool jobs, common role responsibilities, and bust misconceptions from future leaders in their departments.
- August 13, 1:30PM to 2:30PM (ET): Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- August 13, 4:00PM to 5:00PM (ET): Departmental Showcase Networking Event
September 12. Join us for a virtual Lunch and Learn session on Enterprise Metadata Management.
This session will address the decline in public trust in financial reporting, the increased demand for auditability by government agencies, and concerns about data correctness in data warehouse initiatives. The presenter will discuss the rise of the "data quality" industry and its impact on Machine Learning and AI projects, as well as upcoming regulatory challenges that demand greater accountability from business executives regarding data authenticity. Learn strategies for redesigning and rationalizing data infrastructure to support business operations effectively and methods for data professionals to promote enterprise metadata management concepts. The focus will be on accountability, governance, and stewardship of enterprise data resources. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights for improving data trust and management in your organization.
Various dates, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (ET). Immerse yourself in a full day of career development, featuring hands-on activities, insightful discussions, and networking opportunities to shape your future success. Explore your skills, master interview strategies, navigate social media for job hunting, and discover the power of networking.
Releases
The Policy Horizons Canada’s Interdepartmental AI team is pleased share the second iteration of our report, Foresight on AI: Policy considerations. It is now available on GCExchange in French and in English.
This latest iteration features five new insights: AI in everyday devices, ubiquitous computing and privacy, the collection of children’s data, AI upending the internet, and AI reshaping interpersonal relationships. It also features seven new weak signals to watch and updates to the original ten insights contained in the first iteration.
In addition, the team is pleased to offer presentations of this work to interested groups within the Government of Canada. Presentations can be requested through the following form.
In July 2023, the Canadian Digital Service (CDS) was moved from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) to Service Canada. This move brought CDS closer to the teams responsible for service delivery to Canadians. As a result, this transition has enhanced service delivery through improved security measures and more efficient processes.
This week, CDS published three key documents: the CDS Annual Report (Exercise 2023-2024) the CDS Forward Strategy for 2024-27, and the CDS Tactical Plan for 2024-25.
In these reports you’ll find many examples of the excellent guidance and tools the CDS provides to improve the design and delivery of services to Canadians and their plans to continue this work in the coming years.
Have you heard the news? TBS has updated information management (IM) guidance on its Government of Canada information and data management page! TBS previously published guidance to provide IM advice to GC employees in support of the former Policy on Information Management. Following a review with key stakeholders, five guidance instruments have been given a refresh to reflect current realities and GC policy direction. The updated guidance instruments include:
The IM protocols Instant Messaging Using a Mobile Device and Use of Public Folders in the Email Solution were identified for deletion. Employees with questions related to these topics can consult the Guidance for Employees of the Government of Canada: Information Management (IM) Basics or their departmental IM specialists.
Artificial Intelligence
We are pleased to announce that the Guide on the Scope of the Directive on Automated Decision-Making is now published. The guide supports departments in understanding the systems and uses that fall under the purview of the directive. It includes information on the key elements of scope that departments should consider and offers examples of systems that are in and out of scope.
Please reach out to the TBS Responsible Data and AI team for any questions.
The AIA is an online questionnaire that supports the Treasury Board Directive on Automated Decision-Making. It helps departments better understand and manage the risks associated with automated decision systems.
A draft guide is now available on GCwiki. The document provides guidance for each question and is intended to support departments developing automated decision systems complete the AIA. An updated version of the guide will be released later this year after feedback from targeted consultations is incorporated.
Please reach out to the TBS Responsible Data and AI team for any questions or if you are interested in providing feedback on the guide.
On July 12, the Prime Minister announced that Mark Schaan will become Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Artificial Intelligence at Privy Council Office, effective July 29, 2024. Mr. Schaan was previously the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategy and Innovation Policy at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
On July 16, the CSPS hosted an event with over 2600 registered participants focusing on the AI Strategy for the Federal Public Service. The vision, scope and timeline for the Strategy was presented and the panelists, leaders in the Public Service, shared their views on how AI can improve federal productivity and efficiency and the quality of service we can offer to Canadians.
Following engagements with national research centres, academia, and bargaining agents, in August the AI Strategy team will be engaging with industry representatives and civil society organizations to hear their views on the early tenets of the AI Strategy and solicit their advice on the direction of the project.
Learning
Conducted every five years, the Census of Population is the most comprehensive source of data on the demographic, social and economic characteristics of Canadians.
The Census workshop is designed for those new to working with Census data or those who want to further develop their abilities in regards to working with Census concepts, methodology, geography and analysis.
The workshop material will explore the depth and breadth of data available and enhance participants’ ability to use the 2021 Census resources effectively.
During this workshop, you will:
- Review methodology and questionnaire content
- Explore Census Geographies
- Understand Census concepts and variables
- Learn how to use Census Program website tools
- Learn how to find and use Census data on the Statistics Canada website
This online workshop will be delivered virtually over a two-day period. Cost is $325 per learner.
Stories resonate with audiences while numbers alone may overwhelm. Join us for an introductory workshop that will help you to communicate the messages emerging from your data in a more effective manner. During this workshop, you will focus on your target audience, use statistics to present your story and put numbers into a context to help your audience understand your messages. Along the way you will learn some useful tips on how to use tables and graphs to illustrate your story.
Emphasis is placed on the following considerations:
- What is a Data Story?
- Constructing a Data Story – Audience and Context
- Elements of a Data Story
- Packaging the Data Story - Putting the Elements Together
- Bringing it all Together
Throughout the workshop these considerations are practiced and applied using examples from Statistics Canada.
This cost for this online workshop is $325 per learner.
To enhance the data literacy of all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) employees, IRCC has developed a comprehensive Data Literacy Program to equip employees with the knowledge and tools needed to use, understand, interpret, and communicate data relevant to their role.
We are seeking a review of IRCC’s Data Literacy Program, which provides access to training, tools, and support resources designed to promote the effective use of high-quality data, ensuring the optimization and consistency of applications across internal processes. The review will help ensure that the program effectively supports collaboration and information sharing, fostering a highly data-literate community within IRCC and throughout the Government of Canada. Additionally, the review will provide insights on how the program encourages ongoing developmental opportunities for employees to enhance and refine their skills through continuous learning.
Opportunities to participate
The Community of Practice on Data and Information (CPDI) seeks to optimize the value of data and information as strategic assets by providing a forum for community members to discuss key data and information issues and contribute through policy, advice, research, and professional development. All federal digital, data, and information practitioners at any level are welcome to attend community meetings.
Working group meetings:
November 14. Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are excited to announce the 2024 Health Data User Conference.
This one-day, in-person-only event will take place on November 14 in Ottawa, bringing together 150 health data users and providers from across the country to explore innovative, collaborative ways of using data to address key health issues.
The call for abstracts for poster presentations is open until August 22, 2024.
Are you passionate about research and data ethics? Do you want to make a significant impact within the federal government by leading a network that promotes and shapes ethical practices? If so, we invite you to apply for a position as Co-Chair for our Research and Data Ethics Community of Practice (CoP). Visit our GCCollab page for more detail and contact Emilie Eve Gravel to express your interest in the position.
The deadline for our Call for Proposals for the 2024 Canadian Open Data Summit is being extended for Canadian government departments and agencies the deadline is August 7th, 2024.
This year's summit themes include data perspectives on our Housing Crisis, Open Science (including citizen science), and Open Business (collaborations on openness). Proposals can be presentations, workshops, panel discussions, fireside chats, and consultation sessions, all of which have been featured in past Open Data Summits.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, email admin@opendatasociety.ca.
Employment opportunities
Closes August 30, 2024. Canada School of Public Service.
Closes November 27, 2024. Canadian Revenue Agency.
Closes August 23, 2024. Library and Archives Canada - Digital Services.
What caught our attention
The article emphasizes the importance of securing physical devices and sensitive information to prevent unauthorized access. It highlights best practices such as using strong passwords, regularly updating software, and employing encryption for data protection. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of training employees on cybersecurity awareness and protocols to enhance overall security posture.
Data has become an incredibly valuable asset in today's world. From personal information to traditional knowledge, data plays a crucial role in shaping narratives, driving decision-making, and preserving cultural identities. This article emphasizes the importance of ensuring data is managed in ways that honour and respect Indigenous peoples.
On May 17, Arcep and Arcom, in collaboration with Ademe, presented "The General Framework for Eco-design of Digital Services" aimed at encouraging designers, publishers, and providers of digital services to commit to sustainability. Given the presence of digital technology, the environmental, social, and ethical implications are becoming increasingly significant. In this context, the central role of IT Departments in the transition to responsible digital practices becomes essential.
This article proposes several recommendations for containing AI threats based on the OECD principles on Artificial Intelligence. This principle encourages AI to be innovative and trustworthy and to respect human rights and democratic values.
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