CCI Statement on the Launch of Digital Transformation Canada

Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the launch of Digital Transformation Canada, a new federal organization that will bring together digital and procurement functions from across government. In response, Daniel Perry, Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators, issued the following statement.

"We are pleased to see the federal government act on its commitment to launch an agency focused on streamlining government operations, accelerating the adoption of new technologies and working with innovative Canadian companies to deliver better results for Canadians as they scale.

"Access to customers remains one of the biggest barriers to scaling Canadian innovators, and governments at every level should be using their purchasing power to become world-class customers. Public buying makes up over 12% of Canada’s GDP, but too often, Canadian innovators have to go abroad to find their first public sector customers. We can do better.

"For years, CCI has advocated for a focused innovation procurement policy that helps effectively meet government needs, while awarding Canadian innovators what they need most to scale: something much more valuable than a tax break or subsidy - an actual contract.

"This matters for Canada's digital sovereignty and economic prosperity. Government adoption of Canadian AI, cloud, and digital solutions keeps more IP, data, and capability and economic value in Canada, and helps Canadian companies build the customers, revenue and scale they need to compete globally.

"With a clear mandate, strong leadership and the resources to deliver, Digital Transformation Canada can fundamentally change how government does business, making it more efficient, more responsive and better equipped to deliver for Canadians.

"CCI will continue to advocate on behalf of Canadian innovators to ensure that this new organization lives up to its potential. We look forward to working with Minister Joel Lightbound and Digital Transformation Canada to into results for Canadians and Canadian innovators."

Media Contact

Lisa Brody Hoffman
Director of Communications
‍lhoffman@canadianinnovators.org