#GCData2020 - National Defence hosts this year’s meeting of federal data minds

GoC data experts took collaboration to heart on Valentine’s Day at the 2020 data conference.

The fourth annual Government of Canada Data Conference was the biggest one yet, as it continued to draw on the growing data community across the federal public service. National Defence co-hosted the event this year, along with the Canada School of Public Service, on February 13 and 14 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa.

The conference featured panel discussions with executives and subject matter experts, interactive workshops, presentations and showcases reflecting a wide variety of projects, initiatives and perspectives on data across the government, all stemming from the Data Strategy Roadmap published in 2018.

In his opening remarks, Associate Deputy Minister Gordon Venner noted that National Defence presents a unique set of challenges on its path to becoming fully data-driven as a complex organization with a vital mandate to protect Canada and Canadians.

“The challenges we face are as unique as they are massive. This makes data management vitally important to our mission to defend the country,” said Venner, adding “data needs to be viewed as an asset the same way we see our ships and aircraft and vehicles.”

The conference created an opportunity for Defence leadership and Defence Team members to share their perspectives, experiences and lessons learned with the rest of the GoC data community, while learning from public servants in other departments as they shared the ups and downs of their data journeys.

Stephen Burt, Chief Data Officer for National Defence and ADM(Data, Innovation, Analytics), highlighted the importance of breaking down silos and working together across Defence to mobilize the broad spectrum of expertise and talent required to achieve the culture change envisioned in the DND/CAF Data Strategy.

Yvan Gauthier, Acting Director General of the Analytics Support Centre at ADM(DIA), shared insights from his experience in establishing a data science team within Defence. He highlighted the team’s role in supporting senior leadership in their decision making, and emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects and leading by example to deliver successful analytical products.

Visit the GCcollab page to access a recording of the web stream of the conference, in addition to the event agenda and copies of presentation decks.

Check out the photo gallery for a taste of the two days packed with all things data!