Assessing Digital Transformation in the Government of Canada: Challenges and Recommendations

A new report released the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University and Shift Insights analyzes the digital maturity of Canadian federal government services and explores the reasons behind Canada’s decline in the United Nations’ E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The report highlights three critical perspectives – digital culture, digital skills, and digital access – to provide a comprehensive assessment of digital transformation efforts in the federal government.

Despite having clear strategies and new digital service organizations, the report reveals that only 23% of federal government services are fully available online. Some of the systemic issues identified include a heavy reliance on external vendors, outdated project management methodologies, a digital skills deficit, and inconsistent approaches to IT projects across departments. These issues contribute to delays, budget overruns, and ineffective IT solutions.

As a result, public servants often rely on inefficient digital tools, while citizens face difficulties accessing services and information across multiple government platforms. In-person and paper transactions remain a common way of conducting government-related tasks.

To address these challenges, the report provides key recommendations, including the need for a management structure that promotes a culture of digital design and collaboration, improvement in digital procurement practices, attraction and retention of digital talent, and enhanced digital literacy through training programs and flexible strategies.

The report emphasizes that a digital-first approach is crucial for Canadians expecting efficient and timely completion of important tasks such as passport applications, immigration applications, income tax filings, and more. It highlights the importance of government and industry collaboration to drive accessibility to critical services while maintaining rigorous security standards.

This report, sponsored Interac Corp, aims to shed light on the challenges faced the federal government and offers practical solutions and recommendations to address them. A thriving economy, innovation, efficiency, and accessibility can be achieved through digital enablement, and online access to services helps level the playing field for all Canadians.

Definitions:

– E-Government Development Index (EGDI): The EGDI is a comprehensive and consistent global assessment of government digital maturity conducted the United Nations.
– Digital culture: Refers to the attitudes, behaviors, and mindset of individuals within an organization towards digital transformation and innovation.
– Digital skills deficit: The gap in digital skills and competencies within an organization or society, leading to limitations in utilizing digital technologies effectively.
– Digital procurement: The process of acquiring digital goods or services from external vendors or contractors to meet the needs of an organization or government.
– Digital literacy: The ability to use digital technologies and tools effectively to access, evaluate, and create information and communicate with others.

Source: The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University and Shift Insights