TECHNATION’s Executive Briefing event series offers an open and transparent value exchange between industry and government. Working with government leaders from across Canada, we will bring forward-thinking leaders from the Atlantic Region to discuss critical issues and to identify digital acceleration opportunities for government services.
This curated dialogue will create an open and transparent value exchange between industry and government; increased awareness of current challenges and opportunities; and identify opportunities for innovative, citizen-centric digital solutions and collaboration, partnership, and co-creation.
Speakers confirmed:
- David Greenfield, CIO, Halifax Harbour Bridges
- Jennifer LaPlante, Chief Growth & Investment Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
- Jonathan Veale, Vice Pres., Strategic Infrastructure & Development, Build Nova Scotia
- Derrick Whalen, Director, Information & Technology Services, Halifax Port Authority
Presentation themes:
- Pathways to Modernization and Technology Transition
- Infrastructure Design and Development
- AI Driving Innovation in the Public Sector
- Harnessing the Power of AI for a Sustainable Blue Economy
- Attracting and Retaining Diverse Tech Talent
Network with influential government and industry leaders, and engage in thoughtful conversation as we collaborate to drive digital transformation and procurement modernization.
Not in Atlantic Canada? Join us virtually!
September 25th | Halifax, NS | Hybrid | 9:30-11:30 am ADT
In-person Ticket – Members $40; Non-Members $60
Virtual Ticket – Members $25; Non-Members $40; Government Employees Complimentary
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christine Leonard.
Presentation Summaries
Harnessing the Power of AI for a Sustainable Blue Economy – Jennifer LaPlante
As an Ocean AI Leader, Jennifer will dive deep into the intricate dance between artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the vast ocean sector. Discover how cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing our understanding and interaction with marine ecosystems, leading to more sustainable and informed solutions. This enlightening journey will highlight the transformative power of AI in shaping the blue economy, ensuring a promising future for ocean exploration and preservation.
Closing the Connectivity Gap: Nova Scotia’s Path to Expanded Internet and Cellular Coverage – Jonathan Veale
Nova Scotia stands at the forefront of expanding internet and cellular connectivity, leading the charge in bridging the digital divide in rural areas. This presentation explores the strategic initiatives driving Nova Scotia’s efforts to enhance connectivity and improve quality of life for its residents. We will delve into the innovative projects and partnerships aimed at expanding broadband access and cellular coverage, addressing the unique challenges of rural and remote communities. By examining current advancements and future trends, we will highlight how these infrastructure developments not only bolster economic growth but also foster a more inclusive and connected society.
Speakers:
David Greenfield
Chief Information Officer
Halifax Harbour Bridges
As Chief Information Officer, David is responsible for all tolling and technology components of HHB operations and provides technical oversight, program management and direction for HHB’s tolling and technology initiatives.
David has over 25 years of experience that began in accounting and advanced his IT career with national and international insurance firms. He spent seven years as a director for an international consulting firm accountable for providing infrastructure services, application maintenance and support, project management and business processing outsourcing for the Canadian Securities market before joining HHB in 2020.
David was born and has lived in HRM his entire life. David has been volunteering with minor hockey for 15 years and actively manages elite hockey teams and development programs. LinkedIn
Jennifer LaPlante
Chief Growth & Investment Officer
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Jennifer LaPlante is the Chief Growth & Investment Officer for Canada’s Ocean Supercluster supporting innovation and growth in Canada’s ocean economy. Jennifer’s career has focused on data, analytics, and technology. As the Executive Director of DeepSense, she drove economic growth through increased comprehension and adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Canada’s ocean sector. Jennifer holds an MBA and an MSc in Computing and Data Analytics. An active member of her community, Jennifer is a member of the Board of Directors of the Halifax Harbour Bridges Commission and the Bluenose Marathon. She is a past member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee for the Arthritis Society (TAS) and was Vice President of the Victoria Hall Society Board of Directors. In addition, she was a member of the Nominating Committee for the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) and a member of the Government of Canada’s AI Public Awareness Working Group. To encourage more diversity in data science, she co-organizes the Halifax chapter of Women in Machine Learning and Data Science (WiMLDS). LinkedIn
Jonathan Veale
Vice President, Strategic Infrastructure & Development
Build Nova Scotia
Jonathan Veale is the Vice President of Strategic Infrastructure at Build Nova Scotia. The provincial organization is responsible for infrastructure and development projects that drive our economy forward and improve the quality of life for Nova Scotians. The portfolio includes telecommunications and internet expansion, environmental management, and marine and waterfront developments. Jonathan has held various executive roles in Nova Scotia’s health system, including leading the provincial Care Coordination Centre (C3), overseeing the health sector’s pandemic response, and spearheading major IT and operational transformation projects. Before entering the public sector, he founded a Calgary-based strategic consulting firm that advised the energy, infrastructure, and health sectors.
Derrick Whalen
Director, Information & Technology Services
Halifax Port Authority (HPA)
Derrick is a strategic IT leader with over 25 years of experience. As the Director of Information and Technology Services at HPA, Derrick collaborates with business leaders, IT teams, technology partners, and Port stakeholders to drive the organization’s digital transformation. He leads the development of a multi-year enterprise architecture roadmap and data integration strategy, focused on modernizing HPA’s technology platform and aligning data management with corporate goals. Derrick is dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity resilience, overseeing cloud architecture migration, and fostering IT team development. His efforts aim to equip HPA with the tools needed for operational efficiency, improved management visibility, and data-driven decision-making.
Derrick is the President of CIO Canada Atlantic Chapter and wants to encourage senior IT Leaders to connect, collaborate, and share insights on opportunities and challenges facing CIO’s and IT leaders. LinkedIn
Thank you to our Sponsors
Co-Host
