NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Trust and transformation: an inclusive open government approach to digital public engagement

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, governments around the world found themselves increasingly relying on digital technologies to deliver emergency pandemic response solutions. This led to a global acceleration of digital transformation. This also showed governments that public expectations have changed as citizens call for more government accountability and access to decision-making processes. Meanwhile, a global “racial reckoning” occurred in 2020, which brought to light the many systemic barriers facing underrepresented groups. As a result, the head of the Canadian federal public service released a “Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service” that has served as a catalyst for conversation around inclusion in Canada. As we build back from the pandemic, it is important to understand how digital technology can continue to be used to build and foster trust, especially among historically underrepresented groups. Open government can champion inclusive engagement and open dialogue can help address the compounding challenges facing trust in government. Applying an inclusive open government lens to digital transformation practices ensures that no one is left behind. In this workshop, participants will learn how an open government approach enables effective and inclusive digital transformation.

Objectives for the participants

• Define and implement inclusive engagement and open dialogue in the context of digital spaces;
• Understand how the Government of Canada and other public institutions support inclusive engagement and open dialogue;
• Apply best practices in inclusive engagement and open dialogue to case studies.