February 18 and 19, 2026 | Virtual
Register for this event
February 18 and 19, 2026
Virtual
Public servants, general public
Marking a significant milestone this year with its 10th anniversary, the GC Data Conference is a key forum for data leaders at all levels to exchange insights, highlight progress, and explore the evolving role of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the federal public service. Showcasing innovation across sectors and disciplines, this annual event features a pan-Canadian lineup of speakers and perspectives that reflect the diversity and expertise driving transformation and resilience in today's data ecosystem.
With the theme "Navigating Canada's Data Landscape," this year's conference will explore the advancement of data sovereignty, government productivity, and data maturity as foundations for a smarter, more competitive, and more resilient data future in Canada. The agenda will also feature a strategic, values-driven approach to data and AI that recognizes achievements and builds momentum for future innovation.
Through real-world case studies, expert-led discussions and interactive peer sessions, participants will gain practical insights into how data is being used to optimize operations and resources across the federal public service. Participants will also review the data challenges and achievements that have emerged over the past decade and will consider opportunities on the horizon.
This event is presented in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, with subject-matter support and expertise from the GC Data Community.
Video 1: Navigating Canada's Data Landscape
Video 2: Evolution of the GC Data Conference
Video 3: People Behind the Data
[00:00:00 The video opens with an animated title page. An image of a compass rose symbol with lines simulating a circuit board circling it appears rotating onto screen. Text on screen: 10 Years, GC Data Conference 2026: Navigating Canada's Data Landscape.]
[00:00:11 The video is supported throughout with video clips representing high-technology in the areas of: renewable energy; business; infrastructure; robotics; education; energy; transportation; logistics and healthcare]
Narrator: Data can drive decisions. It can fuel innovation, strengthen sovereignty, and power public services.
There is a growing urgency to more fully realize the value of data.
Our data holds untapped potential—potential that matters for our organizational maturity, the efficiency of our operations, and the competitiveness of our country.
What we do today will shape how we grow, how we connect, and how we succeed in the future.
In today's digital world, data is key to safeguarding national interests and enhancing global competitiveness.
But now and in the future, we need responsible AI, strong governance and resilient infrastructure.
We also need to advance data maturity, which will enable more efficient operations, modernized and responsive services, and decisions informed by insights and evidence, so the government can deliver better today and prepare for the future.
Together, we can realize the full value of data.
[00:01:15 The video closes with an animated title page. An image of a compass rose symbol with lines simulating a circuit board circling it appears rotating onto screen. Text on screen: 10 Years, GC Data Conference 2026: Navigating Canada's Data Landscape.]
Narrator: Join us for the 10th anniversary of the GC Data Conference, including pan-Canadian experts leading the way and helping you to navigate Canada's data landscape.
[00:00:10 Video clips of past GC Data Conferences appear onscreen throughout the video.]
Narrator: The Government of Canada's Data Conference, now in its 10th year, has grown to become a key platform for data excellence, bringing together thousands of public servants, partners, and innovators from across the country and beyond.
[00:00:24 A timeline appears onscreen. Text on screen: 2016]
Narrator: It began in 2016 with a small core group of data experts from leading departments and agencies.
[00:00:31 Timeline updates. Text on screen changes to: 2018]
Narrator: Momentum grew and by 2018, it was a launchpad for Canada's Data Strategy Roadmap, which, for the first time, aligned all federal departments towards a common vision.
[00:00:41 Timeline updates. Text on screen changes to: 2020]
Narrator: 2020 brought new urgency to leverage data to protect lives and livelihoods, and the release of the Policy on Service and Digital led to greater clarity about the federal government's digital ambition.
[00:00:54 Timeline updates. Text on screen changes to: 2021-2022]
Narrator: With the establishment of the GC Data Community, the conference grew in size and scope.
[00:01:00 Timeline updates. Text on screen changes to: 2023]
Narrator: In 2023, the new Data Strategy for the Federal Public Service was announced
[00:01:04 Timeline updates. Text on screen changes to: 2024-2025]
Narrator: and more recently, Canada's AI Strategy for the Federal Government.
As the maturity of the conference has grown, so too has the data maturity of the federal government. We are making progress on responsible AI, data ethics and stewardship, Indigenous data sovereignty, information management, and open access.
[00:01:25 The video closes with an animated title page. An image of a compass rose symbol with lines simulating a circuit board circling it appears rotating onto screen. Text on screen: 10 Years, GC Data Conference 2026: Navigating Canada's Data Landscape, canada.ca/data-conference]
Narrator: Join us to mark ten years since the first GC Data Conference.
Register today at canada.ca/data-conference
Narrator: Meet the people behind the data…
[00:00:15 Visuals of past speakers appear on the screen including; Jim Balsillie, Taki Sarantakis, Jennifer Pahlka, Shoshana Zuboff, Major-General C.J. Zimmer, Christine Minas, Christopher Valiquet, Carla Cochrane, Gail McDonald, Abraham Francis, Ima Okonny, Elissa Strome, Phil Gratton, Kathleen Fraser, and Erika-Kirsten Easton are shown.]
Narrator: Year after year, the GC Data Conference has featured thought leaders, experts, and change-makers from across the country and around the world. For the past 10 years, the GC Data Conference has been powered by the passion and expertise of those who believe in the transformative potential of data and A.I., organized by the GC Data community in collaboration with dedicated co-host departments. The conference brings together visionary data leaders who share a mission to harness the value of data to improve results for Canadians. These visionaries have led conversations about making progress in the digital age, using the power of data for responsible A.I., for policy impact, to promote equity and inclusion, to build data culture, and to advance Indigenous data sovereignty.
[00:01:02 Visuals of past speakers appear on the screen including; Josée Bégin, Pansy Leung, Anil Arora, and Yoshua Bengio are shown.]
Narrator: By generously sharing their insights, knowledge, and experiences, they've been instrumental in building momentum, inspiring innovation, advancing data literacy, and driving real progress across the public service and Canada.
Join us at the conference to be part of the conversation.
[00:1:19 The video closes with an animated title page. An image of a compass rose symbol with lines simulating a circuit board circling it appears rotating onto screen. Text on screen: 10 Years, GC Data Conference 2026: Navigating Canada's Data Landscape, canada.ca/data-conference]
Microsoft Word 365 Suite (TRN248)
GC Data Conference 2026
Review and Reflection Series
