Agenda 2023

In Gregor Jeffrey’s award-winning talk he will show you that there is an incredibly simple way to deliver the right information at exactly the right moment to engage each member of your audience every time you speak. Drawing on proven neuroscience, you will learn exactly what your audience needs from you when you speak in meetings, conference calls and presentations – and how to implement it immediately to achieve results.

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The speaker, Mark Perlman, is a retired CFO who, in his last year as CFO at ESDC, was called to Parliamentary Committee a total of 24 times!

In this session, Mark will discuss:

♦   What is Parliamentary Committee and why do departments get invited to appear?
♦   What is your CFO’s role in the appearance?
♦   Why is it so important to prepare?
♦   How does a CFO prepare? / How do you help prepare your CFO? / How do they use the information that you prepare?
♦   What do they need in order to be ready for the interaction between public service and political representatives

Costing underpins every decision made within the Government of Canada. Come hear first hand from the Office of the Comptroller General about the importance of the Costing field and where the field is heading to further support decision makers. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring leaders from the Costing field discussing the work currently being undertaken at DND, ECCC, and IRCC and where they see the field moving in the future, including the career opportunities.

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With the increase in scams, identity theft and synthetic ids, fraud against government programs is unfortunately growing. When the integrity of our government services is not protected, we risk losing citizens trust and disrupting the flow of important funds to those that need it. The UK, US and Australia have all implemented programs to improve Program Integrity and reduce fraud, waste and abuse. While there are some bright spots across Canadian Federal and Provincial programs, Canada as a whole is behind on the forward looking and proactive steps required to reduce fraud.

Deloitte conducted a research study with Canadian public sector organizations and financial institutions to assess and understand the opportunity to improve and protect the integrity of various government services and benefit programs. The objective was to gain insights, raise awareness, and initiate and support discussions about possible improvements to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse across public sector services.

Join us to hear and discuss the results of this research. We will share insights on key practices that are making a difference in federal and provincial government as well as common concerns and challenges public sector faces. In your role, managing public sector finances, you can make a difference and we’ll talk about how!

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Julie will provide a Finance Canada perspective on Canada’s economic situation and outlook, highlight global and domestic factors affecting Canada’s economic prospects, measures Canada is taking including how the government is managing within fiscal constraints.

As the federal government is forced to respond to increasing external and internal pressures, risk management and financial management functions continue to overlap. Nevertheless, risk management is still a nebulous concept for many professionals in both financial management and internal audit. This session will provide an accessible, interactive and engaging look at how risk is handled across several federal entities, with discussion from Chief Audit Executives supporting a variety of federal departments.

This session will provide a brief overview of the Treasury Board of Canada and its role in the policy-making cycle, what a Treasury Board submission seeking funding and/or policy-related authorities looks like, as well as the types of things that Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat analysts look for as part of their review process.

The world has been awakened by generative AI tools to augment their abilities and improve work. The current landscape presents an opportunity to achieve a significant breakthrough in productivity and competitiveness amidst a challenging economic environment and talent shortages. Nevertheless, financial managers face a distinct challenge: ensuring reliable data and transparency to seize this new opportunity for growth. Join IBM, as it demystifies AI and learn how to can take advantage of the convergence of new technologies, unleash creativity, while accelerating governance and explainable AI.

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In her latest book, The Tech Solution: Creating Healthy Habits for Kids Growing Up in A Digital World, Dr. Shimi Kang describes technology as the “fire of our time”, recognizing that harnessing the power of fire was a major step in human evolution. Those who did it well, went further and farther than ever before. Those who did not, got burned. We are at the same pivotal point in human history with the power of technology.

Technology use is increasingly being linked to anxiety and depression, and Internet Addiction Disorder has now become an official medical diagnosis. Blue light and screen-time is correlated with the disruption of our metabolic rhythms, sleep disorders, and now possibly diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Technology has the power to disrupt age-old institutions and paradigms and influence our attitudes, beliefs, and geopolitical landscapes like never before.

Join Dr. Shimi Kang as she outlines how to harness the power of technology to optimize our health, connection, and innovation while steering clear of the serious dangers of persuasive design, addiction, and toxic tech. By simplifying sophisticated neuroscience into the five ingredients of a “tech diet”, Kang provides a solution to one of the most vexing issues of our time.

Join us for an eye-opening presentation on how quantum computing is changing the game in cybersecurity. Learn about the looming threat quantum computers pose to traditional online security and why we need new ways to protect our data. We’ll explore what this means for individuals and organizations, and how we can stay ahead of the curve in the evolving landscape of digital safety.

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Intelligent automation is complementary to financial systems and a strategic enabler for finance transformation – including SAP S4 migrations. Industry experts and federal government clients will expand on compelling use cases of intelligent automation today that quickly deliver efficiency, agility and business value, and serve as the foundation for innovation within larger transformation projects. Learn why intelligent automation is being built into project design and how it enables faster delivery of business value at a lower cost, with less risk and less disruption to business users than traditional approaches.

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Using examples from when he was the FAO, Peter will present the outcome of analysis using complex data sets in Costing Climate Change Adaptation for Public Infrastructure, as well as an analysis and calculation of the Household Net Benefit for Ontario Citizens.  Mike will help the audience work through the steps they need to consider, and he’ll draw on examples from his experience as the Director General, Costing Centre of Excellence at the Treasury Board Secretariat as well as current projects that the team at Technomics Canada is undertaking.

Session sponsored by:

This session is designed to help the delegates understand the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. It covers the basics of AI and ChatGPT, their potential role in the workplace, and best practices for implementation. By the end of the event, attendees will have gained practical tools for how AI and ChatGPT can improve their work.

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an integral part of both our daily and professional lives, addressing the ethical implications of AI is of paramount importance. Don’t miss this insightful dialogue featuring two eminent experts – Taki Sarantakis, who, as the President of the Canada School of Public Service, is at the forefront of the implementation of AI in the federal government, and Richard Arthurs, a Partner at MNP and National Leader of MNP’s Internal Audit Services with extensive experience with technological innovation and AI, as they explore a wide range of related topics and issues.

The world around us is changing faster than ever, and the risk of not keeping up is immense.

The public sector has unique considerations with regards to its ability to leverage technological advances such as data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), automation, etc. What does that mean for the finance professional of the future? What do they look like, and how do we get there?

With over 30 years of experience in evolving public sector finance functions, Claire Lake and Dan Worsley will identify some of the upskilling opportunities most relevant to the public sector finance professional and their organization’s needs, enabling them and their organizations to move closer to that future vision in a sustainable way.

Session sponsored by:

The underlying architecture for traditional financial systems has limited government organizations’ agility and access to operational insights. Updated system architectures enable finance systems to help properly account for every dollar provided by taxpayers – providing the clarity needed to operate confidently day-to-day. Learn how 21st century cloud solutions can provide the insights, clarity, and transparency to help you make decisions for your organization and improve taxpayer trust.

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“You’re not good enough!” – “It’s never going to work!”

We don’t talk to others like that. So, why do we talk to ourselves like this? Studies reveal that 85% of people suffer from a lack of self-confidence, while 70% admit to experiencing imposter syndrome. Bottom line: whether on a personal or professional level, most people admit to not working, or living at their full potential.

Mobilization requires individuals to step up, take responsibility, and contribute to a collective effort. With the increasingly faster pace and multiple changes financial management professionals have had to adapt to, impactful decisions need to continue to be made following their expertise, skills, and knowledge, without being clouded by layers of stress, emotion build-up, or negative self-talk.

When people feel confident, they are more likely to engage actively and make valuable contributions. Nathalie will provide mind-blowing neuroscience in layman’s terms on how the brain works, how people use their brain wrong, and proven strategies to make it work for you.

“If you don’t learn to control your mind, it will control you!”

Human ideals are unseen social structures that organize and motivate people; and form the shared beliefs of a group or society. There are 18 human ideals desired by all people – regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. However, unlike many goals, values or beliefs these specific ideals rely on the cooperation of others to be achieved. As a result, the pursuit of one of these human ideals is at the root of every significant movement in social and commercial history.

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In today’s turbulent and uncertain workplace, effective leadership communication is the cornerstone of success. Ineffective communication can lead to a toxic and unhealthy environment, affecting mental health and productivity.

This session equips teams with the strategies to navigate communication challenges, bias, and stigma, fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce. Discover how to deliver clear, honest, and transparent messages to your team, even in times of crisis. Learn to mitigate stress and uncertainty by building trust, creativity, and stability through your communication. Dive into understanding communication biases, emotional barriers, and the art of navigating difficult conversations. Elevate your people skills by honing your communication style and problem-solving techniques. Invest in your team’s mental health and productivity by mastering the art of effective leadership communication.

*Session available in-person-only*

♦   Identify the sources of the problem
♦   Confront the generation gap
♦   Concrete solutions and inspiring examples
♦   Technology and productivity

Despite a rising amount of focus and resources, many organizations continue to struggle to make material advancements on enhancing a culture of inclusion. In this highly engaging talk, we will explore strategies to engage the dominant culture within today’s Canadian organization, resulting in enhanced advocacy toward building more inclusive organizational cultures. Based on over 10 years of internal experience leading EDI efforts in traditionally male-dominated industries, Brett Elmgren will share the common pitfalls that tend to derail EDI efforts and practical strategies to engage the dominant culture in creating a more inclusive workplace.

Specifically, we will explore:
♦   What is “inclusive leadership”?
♦   What holds people back from engaging in EDI efforts?
♦   Practical strategies that work to engage everyone in EDI efforts
♦   How to overcome resistance to EDI initiatives

Why is it that we know more about what’s going on in our friend’s bedroom than we do about their finances? Money is a sensitive topic, but you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about something that has such an immediate impact on your own well-being.

Kelley Keehn is on a mission to make Canadians feel good about money. In this fast-paced presentation, she’ll break down emotional barriers that hold you back and give you the tools you need to have the difficult conversations about your financial health. Spoiler alert: you won’t find any judgment, guilt, or finger-wagging in this talk. Nor the dreaded “B” word (hint: budget) that’s as easy to stick to as the newest fad diet.

Whether you stumbled financially during COVID, need to catch up on mortgage deferrals and other debts, replenish your rainy-day fund, Kelley will help you get you back on track with concrete steps, tools and resources that will leave you feeling energized and at peace with your financial situation.

Money is an important part of your life, regardless of your age, salary, and social status. So why doesn’t anyone talk about it? In Talk Money with Me, Kelley will identify the most common money pitfalls – and teach you how to avoid them – so you can make empowered financial decisions that are right for you!

In this session, which has enjoyed incredible success throughout the French-speaking world and which is taken from the best-selling book Sorties de Zone (published as Breakout in English) and its sequel, Entrées de Zone, author and international speaker Daniel Blouin shares his numerous anecdotes, experiences and lessons learned throughout his professional and personal journey. All his anecdotes and very concrete examples prove to us that extraordinary results only occur outside our comfort zones. These are books and a conference that have helped thousands of people around the world to transform their resistance to change into a springboard.

For each of us, there comes a time when our professional or personal life forces us to make a difficult change. Whether we like it or not. Meeting this challenge will automatically involve leaving a comfort zone, which can be stressful and sometimes even very distressing. Fears too often hold us back. Fear of the unknown or of failure are among the biggest obstacles that hinder us in achieving our goals. The very idea of​​stepping out of your comfort zone to simply progress and grow is often terrifying. However, taking action is usually very beneficial.

Daniel Blouin never shied away from facing stress and discomfort to achieve incredible results. He tells us about the many times leaving his comfort zone that allowed him to stay true to his goals, aspirations and dreams, despite the risks. He highlights his realizations, the triggers, his doubts, the obstacles encountered and the mistakes to avoid in order to inspire all those who feel the need to go to the limit of their abilities but who do not yet dare to take action.

In this highly engaging and interactive session – Justin shares insights and techniques learned from world champion athletes, famous Buddhist monks, and renowned cognitive behavioralists. He also leads audiences through a series of simple breathing and meditation practices designed to empower better decision-making and helps to expose the secrets to rediscovering the true power behind the simple acts in life that can have profound outcomes in your personal and professional environments. Inspired by his own path and experiences with mental health and wellness, Justin helps individuals and teams understand and identify their own super-power.