In a statement issued after the Semi-Final, the judging panel said: “The Public Service Data/AI Challenge helps the Government of Canada to understand and explore further opportunities to improve how we use data and AI to transform public services. I want to thank all the teams involved in the shortlisted projects – and those who worked on all the projects on the longlist – for their work in helping drive the transformation of the Government of Canada.”
For more details, read our news coverage.
James Scott is the Canadian Field Chief Technology Officer for Dell Technologies. His expertise encompasses cloud architecture, modern application design, artificial intelligence, and IT security. James has been instrumental in assisting clients worldwide with the design, security, and maintenance of multi-cloud environments, and he plays a pivotal role in how organizations are looking to deploy and leverage artificial intelligence to drive productivity and simplify business operations.
Pierre Pelletier is the Chief Digital Service Officer at Natural Resources Canada (N
RCan), where he provides strategic leadership for the department’s information technology (IT), information management (IM), and cybersecurity functions. As a key member of NRCan’s senior executive team, he ensures that digital services, data governance, and IT infrastructure align with departmental priorities and Government of Canada policies. Under his leadership, the IT Branch advances digital innovation and business transformation, while safeguarding information assets to support modern, secure, and client-focused service delivery.
Prior to joining NRCan in 2024, Pierre led departmental transformation initiatives and project portfolio management at Shared Services Canada, where he played a key role in modernizing digital service delivery and strengthening enterprise project governance.
A creative leader and natural problem solver, Pierre was drawn to the public service by the complexity of its systems and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. Known as a thoughtful disruptor, he brings energy, curiosity, and a sense of fun to his work. He thrives in environments that challenge him professionally, intellectually, and personally, and is committed to continuous learning and growth, both for himself and for the teams he leads.
Gabrielle FitzGerald joined Justice Canada in late 2024 as Senior Director of Analytics and Systems Division. She leads an innovative team of professionals responsible for the Legal Systems and Services, as well as Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence for the department. Prior to joining Justice, she was Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Chief Data and Chief Risk Officer, leading their Information Management (IM) program, Data and Analytics Strategies, and Artificial Intelligence initiatives; responding to the science and regulatory data needs for food safety and animal & plant health. Before that, she implemented Infrastructure Canada’s Data Strategy, including responsibility for Canada’s first ever national survey of public infrastructure and the department’s research contributions program. With over two decades of experience as a Canadian federal public servant, her expertise has helped to shape the delivery of Canada’s mineral statistics program; led to the design and implementation of anti-corruption legislation through the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act – Canada’s response to the G8 commitment on global transparency in the extractives sector; and chaired key data roles in Canada’s contribution to the international Kimberley Process – a regulatory regime put in place to deter the trade of conflict diamonds. She holds an honours degree in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and a specialization in computer science and combinatorics and optimization.
Vanessa is a Senior Solutions Architect at NVIDIA, specializing in helping the Canadian ecosystem adopt AI platforms. She holds a master’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto and has 14 years of hands-on experience in high performance computing. Her expertise is centered around the deployment of deep learning models for latency-critical applications, with a focus on optimizing software-hardware co-design to maximize performance and efficiency.
Kate is the new Director of Data Science at Infrastructure Canada. Graduating with a Master’s degree in Economics, Kate has over a dozen years in the public service, first at Statistics Canada where she developed a passion for analytical programming and innovation. Leveraging her experience in establishing enterprise-wide strategic adoption of R and Python, modernizing scalable and reproduceable data analytics, Kate joined Infrastructure Canada’s Data Science Team to lead the acceleration of the department’s data strategy and use of data science to better leverage data and analytics for decision making.
Dr. Ranjana Sharma is Natural Resources Canada’s Chief Scientist and serves as the department’s Chief Scientific Data Officer.
As Chief Scientist, Dr. Sharma is Natural Resources Canada’s senior-most scientific authority, accountable for providing corporate science leadership, oversight and strategic policy advice on all aspects of cross-cutting science priorities, policies, capacity and management. She leads the Office of the Chief Scientist in its role of advancing science policy through the development of horizontal policies and implementing related systems and tools; and facilitating evidence-based decision-making by coordinating NRCan science advice, including for impact assessments.
In her role as Chief Scientific Data Officer, Dr. Sharma is responsible for providing leadership on open science and scientific perspectives on data and information management, research security and governance. She also champions the adoption of emerging digital technologies, including quantum technology.
Prior to joining Natural Resources Canada, Dr. Sharma was Senior Director responsible for science policy for the Laboratories Canada program at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). In this role, she led science-based collaboration with partners, including science-based departments and agencies, academia, industry, Indigenous groups, Provinces, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Sharma holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Physiology and has over 20 years of experience in science-based organizations and the science policy sector. She started her research career at the University of Alberta and joined the public service as a Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in 2003.
Erika-Kirsten Easton joined Transport Canada in August 2023 as the Director General of Service and Data Modernization and the Chief Data Officer.
Prior to that, she was the Director General of Strategic Policy, and DG of Communications at Shared Services Canada (SSC) 2020 to 2023. She has worked on issues such as cyber security and the digitization of government services.
Erika has extensive experience in policy and communications with the private sector and the federal public service, including 12 years as an executive in government. Throughout her public service career, Erika has been focused on implementing data-driven and user-centric decision-making, and managing change.
At the beginning of her career, Erika was a Research Associate at the Public Policy Forum, a national, non-partisan think tank.
Erika then worked at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) leading their public opinion research and strategic risk and crisis communications. She had the opportunity to work on issues such as behavioural research on infection prevention among Indigenous and the general population, as well as the H1N1 and listeriosis outbreaks.
She has also worked at Citizenship and Immigration Canada from 2010 to 2013 as the Manager of Public Opinion Research and Consultations, and the Director of Regions, Ministerial Services and Media Relations, where she led consultations and communications on the annual immigration plan, changes to interim federal health, refugee reform, cracking down on crooked consultants, changes to the family and economic class immigration processes, and new citizenship requirements.
While at Health Canada and PHAC from 2013 to 2016 as the Director of Media Relations and Regional Communications, as well as the Director General of Public Health Strategic Communications, she oversaw communications on issues such as avian flu, Zika, Ebola and many food-borne illness outbreaks.
From 2016 to 2020, she was the Director General of Communications at Canada Border Services Agency where she led public affairs and communications activities on issues such as travel and trade facilitation and enforcement, the increased irregular arrival of asylum seekers, and the implementation of border measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining Canada’s supply chain.
Erika has a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Ottawa. She is a proud Franco-Ontarian from Northern Ontario. She lives in Ottawa with her husband and their three kids.
Robert is responsible for advancing the department’s enterprise data and AI agenda. He has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing a modern, integrated approach to data, digital, and artificial intelligence—delivering secure, scalable solutions that support Canada’s diplomatic, trade, and consular priorities. Known for his ability to drive complex transformation and align diverse stakeholders, Robert is a strong proponent of cross-government collaboration.
As an advocate for the PS Data/AI Challenge, he supports the identification, development, and scaling of innovative ideas—helping public servants leverage data and AI to address complex public policy and operational challenges.
Nadia Ahmad is Director General of Data and Evaluation at Global Affairs Canada. In this capacity she serves as Chief Data Officer and Head of Evaluation for the department. Having held a number of executive positions, Nadia is committed to building and nurturing diverse and inclusive teams and contributing data-derived insights to inform decision-making and foster more impactful policies, programs and services. Nadia holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University and a Master of Laws from the University of Ottawa.
Darcy Pierlot was appointed Chief Immigration Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in September 2022.
At IRCC, Darcy is responsible for all technology initiatives and operations enabling Canada’s visitor visa and permanent resident programs, as well as citizenship, passport, and international travel. He is a senior technology leader within the Government of Canada and international community of Chief Information Officers.
Darcy began his Public Service career as an engineer at the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) in 2006. He subsequently assumed leadership r
oles such
as Senior Advisor to the Chief of CSE and, more recently, Director General, Security. From 2019 to 2021, Darcy was seconded to the Privy Council Office (PCO) where he served as Execu
tive Director and Chief Security Officer to the Offices of the Prime Minister and Privy Council.
Darcy is a licenced professional engineer (P.Eng.) in the Province of Ontario and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from Dalhousie University, Halifax. He is a graduate of the Public Service Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) and holds a certificate in Canadian Security and Intelligence Leadership from the Telfer School of Management (2017).
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Darcy now lives in the rural east-end of Ottawa with his family. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and the piano.
Erica Ren currently serves as the Chief Data Officer (CDO) at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), where she is responsible for guiding data transformation initiatives to enhance decision-making processes through data analysis, research, data literacy, and effective data governance practices. Before assuming her current role, Erica held leadership positions in various departments in the Government of Canada, including Director General of Modernization at Canadian Heritage and Senior Director at Correctional Services Canada. With nearly two decades of experience in the Federal Public Service, Erica Ren has cultivated expertise in data analytics, digital service delivery, and business transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Ottawa.
Mr. Dufour is Director General, Innovation Branch at the Department of Natural Resources Canada. He is responsible to advance a departmental strategy to support innovation in the natural resource sectors and provide policy guidance on development and deployment of clean technologies. He leads the Clean Growth Hub – a whole-of-government focal point, composed of 17 departments and agencies, focused on providing front-line support to clean technology companies to navigate federal programming and clean tech regulations. Mr. Dufour is also responsible to develop international partnerships and in advancing international collaboration in clean technology R&D and innovation. He leads the management of the department’s intellectual property portfolio and services. Finally, he is the Head of the NRCan Digital Accelerator, looking at the application of innovative digital technologies to enhance the Department’s ability to conduct research and analysis, and provide evidence-based policy advice supported by advanced analytical techniques.
Prior to joining NRCan, Mr. Dufour was Director General for the Science Policy Branch at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) where he was responsible for the implementation of the government’s science and innovation agenda, and of managing the department’s engagement in multilateral and bilateral science, technology and innovation-related fora.
Mr. Dufour has also held a variety of positions Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Statistics Canada. Prior to joining the Public Service, he worked as an Engineer in the private sector.
Mr. Dufour holds an MBA from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor degree in forest engineering from Laval University and the University of British Columbia.
As IBM’s Managing Director for the Canadian Federal Government, Robert Conlin is responsible for client success and growth.
He has 20 years of marketing, sales and sales management experience spanning semiconductors, microelectronics and enterprise software within the Canadian telecommunications and Public Services industries.
Since 2007, Robert has had ascending roles within the Canadian Public Sector and has built diverse and highly successful national teams focused on the generational Digital Transformation opportunity within the Canadian Public Services.
Robert is a graduate from Carleton University in Ottawa with a Bachelor of Commerce w/honors. Outside of work, Robert is active in volunteering with youth minor hockey and is president of his local community association.
Celio Oliveira is the Chief Data Officer at the Department of Finance Canada and a recognized authority in data, digital strategy, and ethical, human-centered AI governance. Named among the Global Top 100 Innovators in Data, Analytics and AI in 2025, he has also been a finalist for the Public Service Data Challenge and the U.S. Automation Awards. A Fellow at the Future Government Institute, he is regarded as one of Canada’s leading voices on evidence-based innovation in complex institutional settings.
An author, keynote speaker, and Chair of CDAO Canada Public Sector, Celio contributes to national and international conversations on data leadership, responsible AI, and public-sector modernization. He holds a First-Class Master of Information in Human-Centered Data Science, specializing in Knowledge Media Design, from the University of Toronto, as well as an MBA in Digital Media.
Elise was appointed Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Chief Data Officer in the summer of 2021. She leads a small, passionate team of policy and IT professionals dedicated to both harnessing and unleashing the power of data to improve service delivery and support the sector’s sustainable growth.
Elise joined the Canadian Public Service in 2003 as a second career, after working in strategic marketing in the private sector for nearly 12 years. She has been with AAFC since 2003 where she started as a Commerce Officer in the BC Regional Office. She has since held positions in several branches, including Strategic Policy, Corporate Management and Programs. She is passionate about the role of government and the impact it has in improving everyone’s quality of life.
Ms. Legendre holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, BC) and a Bachelor degree in Arts, major in Political Sciences from Laval University (Sainte Foy, QC). She is also the proud mother of two teenagers, an avid hiker and volunteers with the 1st Aylmer Scouts group.
Ms. Loignon was appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in August 2016. As CIO, Ms. Loignon leads the Digital Strategy implementation and the Information Management (IM) and Information Technology (IT) initiatives and operations that enable the delivery of ECCC programs and services. Among her strategic objectives, Ms. Loignon is responsible for the delivery of modern IM/IT solutions and practices, for the implementation of the ECCC project management center of excellence and to position the IM/IT team to embrace challenges of the future. As ECCC’s designated official for cyber security, Ms. Loignon is responsible in providing leadership, coordination and oversight for departmental cybersecurity management activities.
Ms. Loignon honed her expertise in strategic and business planning development and transformation, implementation of modern management practices in the area of client service, project management and oversight, strategic and tactical planning, human resources, procurement, finance, particularly in the area of information management and information technology.
Originally from Sherbrooke, Québec, Ms. Loignon graduated from the Université Laval with a Master in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Université du Québec in Trois-Rivières, Québec.
Together with NRCan’s Chief Information Officer and Chief Science Advisor, Daniel works with data leaders across the department and the Government of Canada to help everyone continuously improve the use of data as a strategic asset for the achievement of Departmental priorities, including through the development and implementation of the Departmental data strategy.
Jason Reid joined Natural Resources Canada on July 27, 2020. He has more than 25 years professional experience working within the Government of Canada (GC), the majority of which has been in fields of Information Management and Information Technology. He has held positions of increasing responsibility including being the Executive lead of two GC transformation projects. Jason was named to the EX cadre in 2007, he was awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee medal in 2002 and is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program and the Career Assignment Program. He holds bachelor degree in Social Science with a concentration in Economics from University of Ottawa.
Beatrice Baribeau is the Assistant Chief Statistician of the Strategic Data Management, Methods and Analysis Field at Statistics Canada. With over 20 years of experience at Statistics Canada, she is a leader advancing modern statistical methods, rigorous data science practices and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence across the agency. Beatrice is a champion of innovation and collaboration, and she is deeply committed to cultivating talent and helping others thrive.
Joann Shields is an innovative leader with over 25 years in Information Management / Information Technology (IMIT) and Organizational Change across both the public and private sectors.
A big believer in digital government and the power of data, Joann focuses on driving digital mindsets, behaviours and tools to influence culture and leadership.
Currently, Joann is the Director General of IMIT, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Infrastructure Canada – the department responsible for providing long-term predictable support to help Canadians benefit from world-class, modern public infrastructure. Before taking on this position in June 2019, Joann worked in digital adoption at Innovation Science and Economic Development, in transformation at Shared Services Canada (SSC), in strategic change functions at two Crown Corporations and in an extensive range of IMIT related roles within the Chief Information Officer Branch of Treasury Board Secretariat. Joann earned her Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from Carleton University, both specialized in Information Systems and Organizational Behaviour with a thesis focused on Transformational Change in the Public Sector.
Mélanie Robert is the Executive Director of Open Government at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). She leads the Government of Canada’s efforts to open data and information and to increase accountability and citizen participation, and manages Canada’s Open Government and Open Data Portal (open.canada.ca) as well as the Online Access to Information Request Service.
With over 20 years of experience in the federal public service, Mélanie has lead business analysis, regulation and enforcement work and communications and consultations for a variety of technology and innovation files.
You can follow Mélanie on Twitter @MelRobrt
Dominic Parent embodies passion and innovation as a dedicated data and business leader. His talent lies in transforming the complex world of data into a captivating and accessible realm, consistently delivering pragmatic and comprehensive solutions to intricate problems.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Ottawa, Dominic is also a Certified Data Management Professional with DAMA and a Certified Change Management Practitioner with Prosci. His commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in his active practice of Lean methodologies.
In his current role as the Chief Data Officer at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dominic continues to pave the way in data management and strategy, reinforcing his commitment to both environmental stewardship and organizational excellence.
By focusing on making data not just understandable but engaging, Dominic Parent stands at the forefront of his field, consistently enhancing the synergy between business and data for the benefit of both organizational growth and impactful change.
Steve Matthews is Acting Director General of the Modern Statistical Methods and Data Science Branch of Statistics Canada. Steve holds a Masters degree in Statistics and has over 25 years of experience in the Canadian Public Service. He has worked extensively in developing statistical methodology for economic surveys at Statistics Canada and managed the Time Series Research and Analysis Center and the Social Survey Methods Division at Statistics Canada. In his current role, his focus is on innovation of statistical methodology and adoption of Artificial Intelligence into statistical processes to ensure that the agency continues to provide quality statistical information using sustainable and cost-effective methods.
Elizabeth is the Senior Director of Research and Experimentation in the Office of Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board Secretariat, Government of Canada, where she is responsible for leading advancements in innovation to improve outcomes for people management initiatives across the Government of Canada. Before starting this role in March 2020, she was Senior Lead, Behavioural Science, at the Impact and Innovation Unit at the Privy Council Office, where she oversaw the application of behavioural science to public policy challenges. Prior to joining the Government of Canada, Elizabeth held several senior leadership positions, including leading the Behavioural Insights Unit in the Government of Ontario, where she was instrumental in creating and building Canada’s first behavioural science team in government. To date, Elizabeth has successfully completed trials dealing with public health, financial decision-making, regulatory compliance, digital adoption and modernization, and service delivery. She provides advice and guidance on the application of behavioural science to public policy, recently supporting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a member of the External Advisory Committee for Capacity Development.
Vidya ShankarNarayan is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Information Systems Branch and CIO at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She is a forward-thinking and creative leader implementing the Digital and Data strategy to advance the growth, sustainability and competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector. She plays an active leadership role in championing innovation within the agriculture sector, the Government of Canada and with international associations such as the OECD.
Over the past 25+ years, Vidya has held multiple positions in both the private and public sectors, where she encouraged experimentation and horizontal collaboration to identify new and innovative ideas, and led multiple high-profile transformation initiatives related to service delivery, digital technologies and modernization. Previously, Vidya worked at Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Employment and Social Development Canada, where she passionately focused on the digital and data economy, and service delivery, with a vision of designing and implementing simpler, efficient and human-centric services. She has also held executive positions at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and Global Affairs Canada, and in the private sector at Nortel Networks and Tata Consulting Engineers. She holds a Masters degree in Architecture, specializing in Design and Technology from Carleton University.
Vidya is an active community member, participating on various boards including the World Economic Forum and the Global Blockchain Congress. She is regularly invited to national and international events to express her fresh and avant-guard perspectives on the Digital and Data economy.
In her spare time, Vidya practices yoga and is a champion for diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups.
James Van Loon is Health Canada’s Chief Data Officer and also serves as the department’s Chief Scientific Data Officer. He has a passion for innovating programs and delivery from the ground up in cooperation with partners across government, nationally, and internationally. Most recently, James led efforts of Health Canada, the Public Health Agency, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Statistics Canada and other partners to create a dynamic model of pan-Canadian supply and demand on Personal Protective Equipment. As a Director General on the COVID-19 Task Force, James was instrumental in leading the development of analytic tools for the Critical Drug Reserve, as well as the Testing and Vaccine Secretariats. With over 20 years of experience in developing and managing federal regulatory programs, James is recognized as an action-oriented leader who has advanced key files at Health Canada and Environment Canada.
Christopher Allison (Chris) is the Director General of Data Management, Innovation and Analysis and Chief Data Officer at the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Chris has worked in government for 20 years across operations, policing, immigration, national security, policy, major projects, air travel, open source, data, development and leadership.
He is a self-driven continuous learner who is passionate about people, network analytics and systems – seeing the connections between our people, our environments, our systems and our organizations.
Nasser Alsukayri is a senior Canadian public sector technology executive and digital transformation leader currently serving as Chief Information Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
With extensive leadership experience in enterprise technology, service modernization, and digital government strategy, he has built a reputation for advancing citizen-centered innovation across federal organizations.
Throughout his career, Nasser has championed modern, outcome-driven approaches to digital transformation, emphasizing service quality, operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and user experience. His leadership philosophy focuses on aligning technology investments with measurable public value and improving how citizens interact with government services.
As a collaborative executive and mentor, he actively supports leadership development, emerging digital talent, and organizational innovation. His public thought leadership frequently explores topics such as integrated government services, digital identity, service design, governance modernization, and the future of digital public infrastructure in Canada.
Known for combining strategic vision with practical execution, Nasser continues to help shape modern digital government capabilities that are more transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused.
Taki Sarantakis has been President of the Canada School of Public Service since July 2018, having previously served as Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Mr. Sarantakis spent most of his career at Infrastructure Canada, including as Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy and Communications.
In 2011 Mr. Sarantakis was awarded Canada’s Public Service Award of Excellence in Public Policy, and in 2013 he was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Prior to joining the federal government, Mr. Sarantakis was a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto. He holds a B.A. and an M.A. from York University in Toronto, as well as an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management’s Institute of Corporate Directors Education Program, holding the ICD.D designation.
André Loranger is an experienced senior public official, having worked at Statistics Canada for 26 years, leading large and complex statistical programs covering all aspects of the Canadian economy. He has previously served in various senior leadership positions in the Agency including Assistant Chief Statistician for Economic Statistics and Assistant Chief Statistician for Strategic Data Management, Methods and Analysis. In that capacity, Mr. Loranger was also Statistics Canada’s Chief Data Officer responsible for the overall stewardship of the organization’s information data holdings.
Mr. Loranger represents Statistics Canada on various international expert groups pertaining to economic statistics. He is currently the chair of the United Nations Network of Economic Statisticians and the chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Environmental-Economic Accounting. He is also a board member of the Canadian Association for Business Economics and the Conference on Research in Income and Wealth.
Mr. Loranger holds an M.A. (Economics) degree and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Economics) from the University of Ottawa.
In March 2022, Stephen Burt was appointed Chief Data Officer for the Government of Canada, at the Treasury Board Secretariat. His mandate is to provide leadership across government on information and data governance and integration, privacy modernization, and data-enabled digital services and programs. He is also responsible for providing enterprise level guidance on instruments and performance linked to the digital agenda, in the fields of service, security and access to information.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Burt was the functional authority for data governance and analytics capability for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF). He drove the analytics adoption and maturity throughout DND/CAF, and led the department-wide initiative to establish analytics and data governance.
Mr. Burt began his career in the Government of Canada in 1997 with Revenue Canada. In 1999, he joined DND, where he worked in a variety of policy, operational and defence intelligence roles, including two years as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister.
Mr. Burt moved to the Privy Council Office (PCO) in 2007 to work in the Security and Intelligence Secretariat as Senior Advisor on National Security. In that role, he was secretary for the committees of the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister. In 2009, he joined the Intelligence Assessment Secretariat (IAS) at PCO, and held positions as Director for Afghanistan and, later, for Asia. Mr. Burt was appointed Director of Operations for the IAS in January 2012, and took on the position of Assistant Secretary on an acting basis in March 2014.
In April 2015, Mr. Burt assumed the role of Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence at Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, where he led the federated production of intelligence within DND/CAF, and oversaw defence intelligence policy.
Mr. Burt has an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
