October 5, 2026 - October 7, 2026

IPAC’s Annual National Public Service Symposium

Leading with Purpose. Delivering Results for Canadians.

Public servants today are being asked to do more with less. As expectations rise and resources tighten, the focus is shifting from broad transformation clear, measurable results for Canadians.

The 2026 National Public Service Symposium—offered both in-person and virtually—brings together leaders from across Canada to explore how governments strengthen execution, deliver at scale, and sustain public trust in an increasingly complex environment.

Through practical insights and cross-sector perspectives, the Symposium will examine how public institutions are navigating fiscal restraint, advancing digital and AI capabilities, and improving outcomes for Canadians—while continuing to address critical priorities like climate, infrastructure, and national security.

Symposium Themes

The 2026 Symposium focuses on the practical realities of governing and delivering in a constrained environment. Sessions will explore how public sector leaders are strengthening capacity, improving outcomes, and building trust across Canada.

Delivering at Scale: National Capacity and Execution
Trust and Public Confidence
Digital, Data, and AI in Government
Service Delivery and Outcomes for Canadians
Operating in a Time of Fiscal Restraint
Sector Spotlights: From Defence to Major Projects
Climate and Sustainability

Keynote Speaker

Symposium Champions

Arun Thangaraj

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Program

Click each session title to expand and view full details.

Monday, October 5, 2026

1:00–3:00 pm

Optional Tours

Speakers: Not applicable

Moderator: Not applicable

Description: Tour #1 - Exploring Parliament: An Immersive Centre Block Experience
Explore the history, significance, and future of Canada's Parliament through an innovative immersive experience featuring a multimedia exhibition and a 360-degree projection show inside the historic Centre Block experience space. Available in both English and French. Duration: approximately 30 minutes.

Tour #2 – Inside the Bank of Canada Museum
Step inside the Bank of Canada Museum and explore the fascinating world of Canada’s economy through interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and engaging multimedia experiences. Located in the heart of Canada’s central bank, the Museum offers public servants a unique behind-the-scenes look at topics such as inflation, currency, economic decision-making, and the role of the Bank of Canada in supporting the country’s financial system. Blending history, policy, and hands-on learning, this guided tour provides an insightful and memorable experience for attendees interested in the forces shaping Canada’s economy.

Session Sponsor: Not applicable

4:00–9:00 pm

Registration Opens

Pick up your badge and conference materials.

5:30–7:30 pm

Welcome Reception

Join fellow delegates to kick off the Symposium with networking, refreshments, and conversation.

7:30 pm

Dinner on Your Own

Enjoy Ottawa’s local restaurant scene with fellow delegates.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

7:30 am–5:00 pm

Registration

Registration desk open throughout the day.

7:30–8:30 am

Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast and networking.

8:30–9:00 am

Opening Remarks

The Symposium begins with opening remarks and ceremony.

9:00–10:15 am

Strengthening National Capacity

Speakers: James Gordon

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Amid global uncertainty and fiscal restraint, how can we build institutional capacity to drive productivity and deliver hard things at scale? This keynote and panel explore national capacity and productivity including how to mobilize talent, technology, and partnerships to deliver at pace. We will bring cross-sector insights from priority areas such as healthcare, defence and benefits management to illuminate what it takes to execute on nationally critical priorities.

Session Sponsor: Deloitte

10:15–10:45 am

Break

Refreshments and networking.

10:45–11:45 am

A Resilient Nation: Modernizing Government Without Breaking Taxpayer Trust

Speakers: Jamie Boyd

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Discover how a resilient state can modernize at pace and do more with less, strengthening taxpayer trust through broad, replicable impact stories that span service delivery, integrity, and efficiency.

Session Sponsor: Deloitte

Building the Workforce System Canada Needs: Sector Hubs and Apprenticeship Intermediaries in Action

Speakers: Emily Apple, Opus Group; Danielle Olsen, Opus Group

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Canada must deliver an unprecedented pipeline of major projects while managing workforce disruption from tariffs and technological change. Sector Hubs and apprenticeship intermediaries offer a promising, evidence-backed approach to strengthening the workforce system—convening employers, unions, training providers, and governments to build talent pipelines and respond nimbly when disruption hits.

This interactive session reviews the evidence and best practices behind these models, drawing on Canadian and international experience. Designed for federal, provincial, and municipal leaders, it includes practical tools and templates participants can apply in their own jurisdictions.

Participants will leave able to:

Assess where intermediary models fit within their labour market strategies
Apply proven design features that drive employer engagement and apprentice completion
Identify intergovernmental levers to scale intermediaries from pilots into permanent system capacity

Session Sponsor: Opus Group

Getting to the Root Cause: Building Government Capacity for Better Policy Outcomes

Speakers: TBD

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Governments are increasingly being asked to respond to complex and interconnected challenges—from housing affordability and labour shortages to service delivery pressures and declining public trust. Yet too often, efforts focus on addressing symptoms rather than the underlying causes driving these issues.

This session will explore how public sector leaders can strengthen policy capacity to better identify root causes, navigate complexity, and design more effective interventions. Panelists will discuss practical approaches to evidence-informed decision-making, systems thinking, and organizational capability-building, while examining how governments can equip policy teams with the tools, skills, and structures needed to tackle long-standing challenges.

Participants will leave with insights into how building stronger policy capacity can support better outcomes, more resilient institutions, and a more effective public service.

Session Sponsor: Blueprint

11:45 am–12:45 pm

Lunch

Lunch provided.

12:45–1:45 pm

Securing Public Trust Through Data and AI: Strengthening Oversight, Accountability, and Service Delivery

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Public trust is built—or eroded—through day-to-day execution of government programs and the delivery of services to Canadians. This executive panel brings together senior federal public servants to discuss how data, analytics, and responsible AI are being operationalized to improve oversight, strengthen integrity, and detect emerging risks across complex public sector environments.

Moving beyond conceptual discussions, panelists will share practical approaches for integrating data and AI into management planning, breaking down data silos across departments, and embedding AI-driven insight into existing governance and control structures. The discussion will also highlight how these approaches are helping to improve service delivery outcomes—enhancing accuracy, responsiveness, and transparency for Canadians.

Drawing on lessons from the IPAC × SAS webinar series and leadership discussions, this session focuses on what it actually takes to implement data- and AI-enabled oversight at scale—while maintaining transparency, accountability, and public confidence.

Takeaways:

How to operationalize data and AI within existing governance frameworks
Learn practical ways executives are embedding analytics into management planning, oversight processes, and control functions—while supporting more effective service delivery.
What effective cross-department data integration looks like in practice
Understand how leading public sector organizations are addressing data silos to improve visibility across programs, payments, and service outcomes.
How executive leadership enables responsible, scalable AI adoption
Gain insight into the leadership decisions, guardrails, and governance models needed to use AI confidently while reinforcing transparency, public trust, and service quality.

Session Sponsor: SAS

From Legacy to Leading Edge: Transforming Government for the Digital Era

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Governments are under increasing pressure to deliver faster, smarter, and more connected services. In this session, public sector leaders will share real-world experiences from enterprise-scale digital transformation programs and discuss what it takes to successfully modernize government operations. Topics will include procurement best practices, change management, workforce enablement, and the role of emerging technologies in driving operational efficiency and innovation. Through case studies and practical insights, attendees will gain actionable strategies for delivering secure, scalable, and citizen-focused transformation initiatives.

Session Sponsor: Deloitte

Session Title Coming Soon

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Details to be announced.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

1:45–2:00 pm

Break

Refreshments and networking.

2:00–3:00 pm

Beyond the AI Hype: Leading Government Through Uncertainty, Burnout, and Rapid Technological Change

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Public sector leaders are navigating an unprecedented period of disruption shaped by fiscal restraint, geopolitical uncertainty, workforce burnout, rising citizen expectations, and the accelerating pace of artificial intelligence. While AI is often framed as the challenge, it is only one piece of a much broader transformation reshaping how governments operate, make decisions, and deliver services.

This session brings together public sector practitioners, senior leaders, and strategic advisors for an honest conversation about what it takes to lead through continuous change. Panelists will explore how organizations are adapting governance structures, supporting employees through burnout and generational shifts, and rethinking leadership models in environments where decisions must move faster than ever before.

Grounded in real-world public sector experience, the discussion will move beyond hype and fear to focus on practical approaches for building resilient, adaptive organizations capable of operating in a rapidly evolving world.

Participants will explore:

How public sector organizations are responding to continuous disruption and uncertainty
The impact of AI, fiscal pressures, and global instability on governance and decision-making
How leaders can foster adaptability, literacy, and resilience across teams
What modern public sector leadership may need to look like moving forward

Session Sponsor: Knockri

Partnering to Deliver Better Outcomes for Canadians: Transforming Service Delivery and Enabling Future Innovation

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Public sector organizations across Canada are under growing pressure to modernize service delivery and improve outcomes for citizens while navigating fiscal constraints, workforce challenges, and complex legacy environments. This session explores how governments are transforming service delivery at scale, with a focus on the recent successful modernization of the Old Age Security (OAS) program. Panelists will share real-world insights into the complexity of large-scale transformation, including managing risk, maintaining continuity for millions of Canadians, and aligning policy, operations, and technology.

A key focus will be the role of public-private partnerships in enabling progress. As governments embark upon transformation, collaboration with industry is becoming essential to deliver outcomes today while laying the groundwork for the future.

Participants will explore:

Lessons learned from large-scale modernization efforts
The evolving role of public-private partnerships in delivering outcomes and enabling AI adoption
Risks associated with fragmented transformation efforts and how to avoid them
Practical strategies for building capacity and delivering at scale in complex environments

Session Sponsor: To be announced

Session Title Coming Soon

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Details to be announced.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

3:00–3:15 pm

Break

Refreshments and networking.

3:15–4:30 pm

Keynote

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: A featured keynote exploring emerging trends shaping the future of public administration.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

4:30–4:45 pm

Closing Remarks

Summary reflections and closing of the day.

4:45 pm

Reception

Continue the conversation at an evening reception with fellow delegates.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

7:30 am–5:00 pm

Registration

Registration desk open throughout the day.

7:30–8:30 am

Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast and networking.

8:30–9:00 am

Welcome Remarks

Opening remarks to begin the final day of the Symposium.

9:00–10:15 am

Keynote

Speakers: Marlene Floyd, Senior National Director, Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Canada

Moderator: To be announced

Description: A keynote exploring leadership, innovation, and the future of the public sector.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

10:15–10:30 am

Break

Refreshments and networking.

10:30–11:30 am

Rebooting Delivery: Updating Government’s Operating System

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Explore the operating models shaping the public sector as we surface lessons learned, discuss when governments should centralize vs. decentralize, progress on breaking down interprovincial barriers and streamlining regulation to tackle key priorities, from procurement reform to partnering for impact.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

Session Title Coming Soon

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Details to be announced.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

Session Title Coming Soon

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: Details to be announced.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

11:30–11:45 am

Break

Refreshments and networking.

11:45 am–1:00 pm

Closing Keynote

Speakers: To be announced

Moderator: To be announced

Description: A final keynote to close the Symposium with forward-looking insights.

Session Sponsor: To be announced

1:00–1:10 pm

Closing Remarks & Boxed Lunch

Closing remarks followed by takeaway lunch.

Pricing

If you require assistance to register call Dianne Bukaka at 416-924-8787 or email at [email protected]

Non-Member Price

EARLY BIRD OFFER
Save $200 on In-Person Registration Through June 30

$795 / $349 In Person / Virtual

~~Regular In-Person Price: $995~~

Access to 2026 National Public Service Symposium
Includes 1 Year IPAC Membership

IPAC Member Price

EARLY BIRD OFFER
Save $200 on In-Person Registration Through June 30

$695 / $249 In Person / Virtual

~~Regular In-Person Price: $895~~

Access to 2026 National Public Service Symposium

IPAC Bulk Rate Pricing

Please contact David Fulford, IPAC CEO at [email protected] for more information.

Access to 2026 National Public Service Symposium
Discounted rates

Thank You to our Partners

Platinum Partner

Deloitte

Gold Partner

Silver Partner

Opus Group, SAS, Dayforce, Blueprint, Knockri, Curam

Exhibitors

APEX, Desjardins, Nous Group

Travel Information

Secure your stay for the IPAC 2026 National Public Service Symposium

To ensure a comfortable and convenient experience, we have reserved a special group rate at the Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre.

Stay Dates: October 4–8, 2026
Last Day to Book: September 4, 2026

Book Your Stay

Venue Location

Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre, located at 101 Lyon Street North, Ottawa steps from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal

Airline Discounts

Promotion Code: LPGP8AJ1

Applicable Rules

• The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (CA)
• Travel period: September 28, 2026 – October 14, 2026
• Travel valid Monday to Sunday
• 5% off standard fares, 10% off flex fares & higher (North America)
• 10% off international fares
• 12% off Business Class fares (5% on lowest Business fares)

Promo Code: IPAC26

Porter Airlines is pleased to offer up to 10% off available base fares (excluding the lowest class fare during public seat sales) for travel to and from the IPAC 2026 National Public Service Symposium.

Booking period: March 6, 2026 – October 9, 2026

Book online at: flyporter.com or through your travel agent using promo code IPAC26.

5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares within Canada.
2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex, and 10% off Premium fares for trans-border travel.
No discount applies to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.

Applicable Rules

• Destination: Ottawa, ON
• Travel period: September 28, 2026 – October 14, 2026
• Coupon Code: 6X2D4DT
• Promo Code (GDS only): YBA27

Symposium Registration

2026 National Public Service Symposium / Symposium national sur la fonction publique 2026

As governments face increasing pressure to deliver more with limited resources, the focus is shifting from navigating change to achieving results. The 2026 National Public Service Symposium brings Canada’s public service leaders together to explore how to strengthen capacity, deliver at scale, and maintain public trust in a complex and constrained environment. From advancing digital and AI capabilities to improving service delivery and tackling sector-specific challenges, the Symposium will focus on what it takes to turn priorities into outcomes.

----

Alors que les gouvernements doivent en faire davantage avec des ressources limitées, l’accent se déplace de la gestion du changement vers l’atteinte de résultats concrets. Le Symposium national sur la fonction publique 2026 réunit des leaders de la fonction publique canadienne afin d’explorer comment renforcer les capacités, livrer à grande échelle et maintenir la confiance du public dans un contexte complexe et contraint. Qu’il s’agisse de faire progresser les capacités numériques et l’IA, d’améliorer la prestation des services ou de relever des défis sectoriels, le Symposium mettra l’accent sur les moyens de transformer les priorités en résultats.

When

10/5/2026 - 10/7/2026

Where

Ottawa

Registration

Need Help Getting Approval to Attend? Download Our Approval Kit!

We understand that getting approval from your workplace to attend the IPAC Annual Conference can sometimes be a challenge. That's why we've created a comprehensive Approval Kit to help you make a compelling case. This kit includes a customizable letter, talking points, and a breakdown of the conference benefits—all designed to show your employer the value of your attendance.

Download the Approval Kit now to make your case and ensure you don’t miss out on this year’s exciting sessions, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking keynotes.

Download the Approval Kit

Download the New Professional Approval Kit

Please note

IPAC may take photographs and video recordings during the Symposium. These images and footage may be used on our website, social media channels, and in print or digital marketing materials at a later date.

If you have any concerns about being photographed or recorded, please contact the IPAC National Office upon registering at [email protected].

Your name and contact information may be shared with delegates and sponsors for the purposes of this Symposium only. If you wish to opt out of this distribution list, please email [email protected].

Terms and Conditions

Registrations are processed upon completion of the online form. Once submitted, your registration is confirmed and payment charges will apply.

Payment is accepted by credit card only. Charges apply to all registrations, including no-shows and last-minute withdrawals. All fees are in Canadian dollars. Bulk registrations are available and can be invoiced upon request.

A complete recording of Symposium sessions will be made available to all registrants following the event.

Substitution Policy

Substitutions are permitted up to September 30, 2026. IPAC does not offer cancellations.

IPAC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event, refuse admission, or make changes to speakers, location, or program content at any time.

October 5, 2026 - October 7, 2026

IPAC’s Annual National Public Service Symposium

Leading with Purpose. Delivering Results for Canadians.

Symposium Themes

Keynote Speaker

Symposium Champions

Speakers Section

Moderators

Speakers Section

Program