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Information Technology
Association of Canada
Association canadienne de
la technologie de l’information
Annual Review
2017-18
Message from the Chair
ITAC National Board of Directors
ITAC Chair
Frédéric Boulanger
President & Co-Founder
Macadamian Technologies
There is simply Over the past few years, in collaboration being made in Ottawa. This was evident in
with ITAC’s executive team, the National the 2017 Federal Budget announcement,
no other industry Board has focused significant effort on an Innovation Agenda Budget, which
innovation: streamlining and strengthening addressed our nation’s technology skills
that innovates and the infrastructure and processes of the gap, and helped bolster our ability to help
Association; developing a more strategic innovative businesses grow and scale, while
impacts society – its approach to supporting the growth and strengthening Canada’s ability to compete
diversification of its membership; and digitally on a global scale.
people, business and assisting in the development of a robust and
sustainable digital economy in Canada. This work is especially important when
operations – more considering what may now be the leading
This approach enables ITAC to be a stronger,
global commodity – data. Data has so
than technology. and at times more aggressive advocate of
the tech sector, enabling the Association much potential for good, enabling great
Technology has the to exercise its influence with government, technological and human advancements.
business, academia and the community to But it also has its challenges, including the
power to shape and ensure continued economic growth and fact that the Canadian tech sector is rapidly
vitality. outpacing government policies – many of
re-shape society which are outdated and based on principles
There is simply no other industry that for a physical, not digital, environment.
on an ongoing innovates and impacts society – its people,
business and operations - more than Throughout 2017, ITAC reiterated its stance
basis, and directly technology. Technology has the power to that Canada’s government – in collaboration
shape and re-shape society on an ongoing with the technology sector and ecosystem
impacts modern – must take an immediate and coordinated
basis, and directly impacts modern day
approach to data governance; an approach
day approaches approaches to healthcare, education,
business and communications. that ensures privacy and security, while
to healthcare, unlocking data for economic prosperity. This
For an industry that thrives on innovation, is work that will continue into 2018 to foster
education, the recent focus and investment in the value creation of an ecosystem that
technology by Canada’s government this works for both industry and policy makers.
business and past year is a positive step forward. ITAC
has built strong and effective relationships This is a similar approach we’re taking
communications. with federal and regional officials over the through ITAC Talent. ITAC has been at the
past few years and, throughout 2017, had forefront of talent for several years, and
an opportunity to provide ongoing and celebrating inclusiveness in technology for
significant input when key decisions were just as long. We are very glad to see the
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
Message from the Chair
ITAC National Board of Directors
(continued)
Throughout 2017, government looking at the future the and plan industry priorities through events,
same way we are, resulting in increased committee work and leadership initiatives.
ITAC reiterated its collaboration and partnerships, helping to
Finally, I speak on behalf of ITAC’s National
foster an innovation environment across
Board of Directors when I say thank
stance that Canada’s Canada that bodes well for the future.
you to you, our members, and to ITAC’s
Needless to say, ITAC has much to be executive team and staff. Thank you for
government – in proud of. your confidence in us. Thank you for your
passion, dedication and perseverance to build
collaboration with Going forward, ITAC and its National Board on our incredible foundation of strength
of Directors, in conjunction with the ITAC and diversity. Together, we are a force to be
the technology Ontario Board of Directors and the ITAC reckoned with!
Health Board of Directors, will continue to
sector and focus on the work that matters most to our
members. We will continue to offer a forum
ecosystem – must for the development of a vision of the future
state of the ICT industry. We will continue
take an immediate to engage with industry by facilitating and/ Frédéric Boulanger
ITAC Chair
or participating in key federal and regional
and coordinated government initiatives. We will also continue
President & Co-Founder
Macadamian Technologies
to create forums for discussion and debate,
approach to data
governance, an
approach that
ensures privacy
and security, while
unlocking data for
economic prosperity.
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
ITAC National
Board of Directors
Executive Committee Directors
Chair ITAC President Prakash Amirtharaj Jeremy Auger Mirko Bibic Lisa Carroll Kevin Connolly
Frédéric Boulanger Robert Watson* Vice-President Chief Strategy Officer Chief Legal & Regulatory Senior Vice-President President - Commercial
President and CEO President and CEO Public Sector Canada D2L Corporation Officer and EVP National Capital Region Canada
Macadamian ITAC Adobe Systems Canada Corporate Development CGI Group Inc. Dell EMC | Canada
Technologies Bell Canada
1st Vice Chair 2nd Vice Chair John Dathan Vince De Palma Carey Drader Susanne Flett Gary Folker*
Andrea Stairs Kevin Peesker Vice President President and CEO VP, Infrastructure Services President and Founder Senior Vice-President Canada
Managing Director President Strategy and Business Softchoice Corporation Global Technology Healthtech Consultants Orion Health
eBay Canada Microsoft Canada Development, Enterprise Services
Group - Canada IBM Canada
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Treasurer Member Ed Galasso Denis Gaudreault John Hill James “JD” Hupp Wayne Karpoff
Karen Atkinson Angela Brown Vice President and Country Manager CIO Vice-President and President
Partner, Business Tax President and CEO General Manager Intel of Canada, Ltd. Rogers Communications General Manager Willowglen Systems Inc.
Services Moneris Solutions Tech Data Canada Corp. CDW Canada
Ernst & Young LLP
Member Member Vito Mabrucco Dan Madon Colin McIsaac Mario Meroni Art Price
Colin McKay Glenn Laverty Senior Vice-President Managing Director General Manager Area Vice-President CEO
Head, Public Policy & President and CEO IDC Canada Cisco Canada Canada Oracle Canada Axia NetMedia
Government Relations Ricoh Canada Lenovo (Canada) Corporation
Google Canada
Johanne Senécal Craig Smith Claudia Thompson Luc Villeneuve Mary Ann Yule
Senior Vice-President Vice-President Managing Director Country Leader, Canada Managing Director
Federal Government and Technology and Systems Health & Public Service Red Hat Canada HP Canada Co
Regulatory Affairs Integration and Managing Director
TELUS Corporation Fujitsu Canada Inclusion & Diversity
Accenture, Canada
(as of April 30, 2018)
(continued over)
* ex-officio
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
ITAC Board
of Directors
ITAC has three ITAC Health Board of Directors ITAC Ontario Board Of Directors
Boards of Directors: Gary Folker, Chair, Orion Health David Telka, Chair, Accenture
Susanne Flett, Vice Chair, Healthtech Paul Crowe, Vice Chair, Symbility Intersect
the ITAC National Consultants
Karen Franklin, 2nd Vice Chair,
Board of Directors, David Mosher, Past Chair, Infor Karen Franklin Consulting
Robert Watson, ITAC President and CEO John Breakey, Past Chair, Fivel Systems
the ITAC Ontario Corporation
Board of Directors, Directors
Robert Watson, ITAC President and CEO
and the ITAC Health Aaron Berk, KPMG
Directors
Chris Carbone, Mindful Experience
Board of Directors. In Fawn Annan, IT World Canada
Michael Checkley, QHR Technologies
2018, ITAC will also Robert Agostino, Hydro One Telecom
Marcia Cushing, Deloitte
form a new ITAC John Bauer, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Ian Fish, IBM Canada
Bob Becker, SMA
Talent Board Alain Guez, RelayHealth McKesson
Marcia Cushing, Deloitte LLP
Paula Hucko, Goldcare
of Directors. Michael Di Verdi, TELUS Corporation
Catherine Hunter, PwC Health Industries
Jeremy Erlick, Compugen
Peter Jones, Microsoft Canada
Jason George, SOTI
Glenn Lanteigne, Tectonic Advisory Services
Dennis Hofmann, Dell Canada
Daniel Penn, Tickit Health
Sean Pinney, CGI
Kyle Peterson, Calgary Scientific
Craig Taylor, Lenovo Canada
Garth Reid, HP Enterprise Services
Graham Watt, Microsoft Canada
Kyle Schilke, Amazon
Regan Watts, IBM Canada
Jim Shave, Cerner Canada
Lisa Shoniker, Agfa Healthcare
Ken Stevens, Intelliware
Laure Tessier-Delivuk, GE Healthcare
Dave Thomas, TELUS Health
Michel Whitt, Bennett Jones LLP
(as of April 30, 2018)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
Message from
President and CEO
Robert Watson
President and CEO
Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)
Technological The ability to innovate is an imperative for perspective: benefit young women around
sustainable growth and long-term success. education and future employment in the
advancements, such Technological advancements, such as the industry; create opportunities and a platform
Internet of Things (IoT), 5G technology, cyber for female ICT leaders; and help to increase
as the Internet of security, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart female representation on Boards of Directors
cities, will all serve as engines for innovation; across the country. We also remain focused
Things (IoT), 5G they have the potential to trigger significant on building our network to support and
economic growth, and influence every area of engage female entrepreneurs. Through our
technology, cyber our working and personal lives. Technology partnership with Women in Communications
is also driving innovation within the areas of Technology, we again hosted Women in
security, artificial
talent, diversity and healthcare – all key areas Leadership events – events so popular that
intelligence (AI), and of focus for ITAC. they’ll be offered in new regions across the
country throughout 2018. ITAC also vetted
smart cities, will all ITAC Talent is continuing in its efforts to and welcomed new highly-qualified Board-
bring together Canada’s leading employers ready women to its successful Women on
serve as engines to catalyze industry to address the shortfall in Board Registry program. It’s important to
technology skills. We formed new partnerships note that ITAC recognizes that diversity is
for innovation; they to inspire young people to pursue ICT-related more than just gender, race or ethnicity; it’s
careers, and leveraged diversity as a solution also about being inclusive of people with
have the potential to deliver prosperity and competitiveness, all diverse perspectives, experiences and ways
with the goal of setting industry standards and of thinking.
to trigger significant shaping public policy.
The Health division of ITAC promotes and
economic growth, In 2017, we formed a new partnership with advocates for the significant contribution that
Glenforest Secondary School to deliver the
and influence every digital technology can make to the health
Xplore STEM Youth Conference, Canada’s and wellness of Canadians, and to Canada’s
area of our working largest student-organized conference economic prosperity. Through its committees,
promoting STEM careers; placed 250 ICT ITAC Health facilitates thought leadership,
and personal lives. students with SMEs across the country provides opportunities for members to
through our Career Ready Program; and collaborate, and contributes to the rapid
increased opportunities for employers to advancement of digital health.
connect with students studying Business
Technology Management (BTM) through our ITAC Health’s Advocacy Committee is nearing
popular BTM TalentMash. completion of a White Paper – Accelerating
the Adoption of Digital Health Technologies
Through our diversity and inclusion initiatives, in Canada – which will further our mandate
we encourage government to provide to advocate for a more strategic approach for
funding for key initiatives that, from a gender the acceleration and adoption of emerging
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
Message from
President and CEO
(continued)
In 2017, ITAC digital health technologies in Canada. Also, recommendations for fundamental policy
ITAC Health’s Interoperability and Standards changes and investments by the Federal
facilitated more Committee is leading the development of a Government through a series of innovation
Canadian National Interoperability Scorecard papers focused on the digital economy,
than 50 meetings that will compare and evaluate Canada’s trade, talent and the digital government. The
current state of digital health interoperability, result; all areas were addressed in the 2017
and appearances jurisdiction by jurisdiction. This work is in Federal Budget – a positive indication that
collaboration with the College for Family the voice of the ICT industry is being heard.
with senior Physicians Canada, the Canadian Medical
As your association, ITAC continuously
Association and the School of Health
advocates for your success. Our mission is
government leaders Information Sciences at the University of
to help grow and support Canada’s tech
Victoria. Over the past year, we’ve also
sector, through the creation of white papers,
to advance and developed a strong collaborative relationship
by hosting industry forums and events, by
with the Ontario Ministry of Health
working closely with legislators and policy
encourage officials and Long-Term Care with their Hospital
makers, and through strategic partnerships
Information System (HIS) Renewal project,
with government, academia and industry
to adopt policies created to transform Ontario’s HIS landscape
leaders. We remain committed to be a vital
into a platform for high-performing, patient-
partner and leader in the future success of
that support centered healthcare.
our members.
In 2017, ITAC facilitated more than 50
innovation and meetings and appearances with senior We thank our Boards of Directors,
government leaders to advance and Committee leaders and partners for their
fuel the growth encourage officials to adopt policies that ongoing dedication. We look forward to
support innovation and fuel the growth of 2018 as we continue our commitment of
of Canada’s tech Canada’s tech industry. Our key message: being responsive and accountable to our
bold and meaningful changes are needed if members’ needs.
industry. Canada wants to be a leader in the digital
economy.
Our successful Hill Day is one such example,
providing ITAC, along with representatives
from our national Board of Directors and
member organizations, with an opportunity
Robert Watson
to reinforce the message that continued
President and CEO,
collaboration between the federal Information Technology Association
government and the ICT industry is vital to of Canada (ITAC)
Canada’s overall success. ITAC also identified
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
ITAC Ontario: Message from
Supporting innovation and fuelling the
the technology
growth of Canada’s ITAC Chair industry
Fireside Chat with Ontario’s First Chief Digital Officer, CCIO Event: Steve Van Binsbergen, OPS: Rose Langhout,
Hillary Hartley – with Denise Shortt, Vice President, Industry Enterprise IT Business Liaison & Operational Planning , Marian
Development, ITAC. MacDonald, MGCS, Rob Devries, Government Services Integration
Cluster, John di Marco, Land and Resources Cluster and Dafna
Carr, Children, Youth and Social Services.
The government’s recognition of the need to announced in the Fall Economic Statement: the
Throughout 2017,
modernize and share the full benefits of the Scale-Up Voucher Program, which provides up to
Ontario continued digital economy with taxpayers is heartening. $10K to support talent acquisition, IP registration
It dovetails with ITAC’s foundational mission or other initiatives to help businesses scale;
to evolve its Business to helping promote a healthy ICT ecosystem in and the Small Business Innovation Challenge,
Ontario. More than 20,000 Ontario companies which is innovation focused procurement that
Growth Initiative, create more than 400,000 well-paying jobs. The will have SMEs propose innovative solutions
industry contributes $32.3 billion to GDP and to problems facing government. ITAC also
and ITAC worked to research and development activity tops $3.4 participated in Ontario government discussions
billion annually. on retaining and defending strategic domestic
inform and connect IP, including potentially piloting an Ontario
Building Relationships with Sovereign Patent Fund.
members with new Provincial Leaders for the
initiatives including Advancement of the Industry ITAC is also working with City of Toronto on
ITAC engages closely with Ontario government their municipal Innovation Strategy and has
the Scale-Up leaders on policy and economic development met regularly with Councillor Michelle Holland,
issues, central to the industry’s success. Below City of Toronto Advocate for the Innovation
Vouchers Program. are a list of key events, activities and meetings Economy, to collaborate on diversity and
with provincial leaders. innovation, as well as to support the City’s 2018
Digital Literacy initiative.
Throughout 2017, Ontario continued to
evolve its Business Growth Initiative, and ITAC Last spring, ITAC celebrated a 10-year
worked to inform and connect members anniversary of collaboration with former
with new initiatives including the Scale-Up Corporate Chief Information and Technology
Vouchers Program. Officer, David Nicholl. Our CCIO bi-annual
events continue to be sold-out and are directed
Our 2017 Budget submission advocated for a at any company wishing to do business with
reversal of cuts to research and development the Ontario government. Attendees receive
(R&D) tax credit programs, as well as the creation first-hand insight into CIO Cluster plans,
of an Ontario Smart Cities Strategy. ITAC has critical information on impending procurement
also engaged the Ontario government on activities, followed by an interactive panel
new initiatives around increasing IP creation, format. Throughout the year, CIO speakers
potential changes to labour regulations and new have included: CIOs from the Land Resources
cross-sector innovation programs. For example, Cluster; Government Services Integration
ITAC is working with the Ministry of Economic Cluster; Children, Youth and Social Services;
Development and Growth to provide input and and Enterprise IT Business Liaison & Operational
inform members on two new scale-up programs Planning. ITAC will continue to work with the
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
ITAC Ontario:
Supporting innovation and fuelling the growth
of Canada’s technology industry
(continued)
office of the new Chief Information officer innovation. In February and June 2017, we held
(when announced) to host future CCIO events two successful sessions focused on Procurement
with Ontario CIO clusters in 2018-19. Innovation Enhancement and Jurisdictional Best
Practices. A third session on Commercial Terms
ITAC hosted an event introducing Hillary Hartley, (Issues and Solutions) is planned for June 2018.
the new Ontario Chief Digital Officer, to ITAC
members. Deputy Hartley shared her plans and Finally, the Changing Workplaces Review’s
priorities for digital re-design and advancement preliminary recommendations included removing
for Ontario government. Since this event, an existing exemption for IT Professionals from
ITAC has been meeting regularly with the the Employment Standards Act (i.e. not eligible
Deputy’s Digital Service office to look at further to claim overtime, standard work hours, etc.
CCIO Breakfast in April (L-R) Mohammad Qureshi, collaboration opportunities between the ICT under the act). In October, ITAC submitted a
Head, Cyber Security, Karen McKibbin, Executive
Lead, Health Services Cluster, Marian Macdonald, community and government. response requesting a fulsome study of this
Assistant Deputy Minister, Supply Chain Ontario; policy before any changes are made.
Wynnann Rose, CIO, Labour and Transportation Due to the Ontario election, ITAC also worked
Cluster and Rocco Passero, IT Executive Lead and
Assistant Deputy Minister, Treasury Board Secretariat with its members to develop a Pre-Election Ontario Board of Directors and
Strategy and to identify key recommendations Committee Updates
to share with each party leader on behalf of the
In 2017, David Telka, Managing Director
ICT industry, as well as to prepare for advocacy
Healthcare and Public Service, Accenture,
ITAC’s Ontario initiatives post-Election. ITAC will continue to
took over as Chair of the ITAC Ontario Board
engage with the elected party to advocate for
of Directors. David brings extensive expertise
Entrepreneurship our member priorities and to work to evolve the
in digital transformation, and was responsible
ICT sector across Ontario.
for creating and engaging the ITAC Digital
and Innovation Committee, designed to focus on digital
In Spring 2017, ITAC hosted a special event
adoption and innovation for government
Committee with the Ministry of Government and Consumer
and industry.
Services (MGCS). Marian Macdonald (ADM,
continues to be Supply Chain Ontario, MGCS) delivered a
ITAC’s Ontario Entrepreneurship and Innovation
presentation to our members outlining their
Committee continues to be actively engaged
actively engaged on Vision 2020 strategy and engaged our members
on key activities and initiatives for our small and
in discussions on procurement modernization.
medium-sized entrepreneurs (SME) members.
key activities and In April 2017, Craig Taylor, Client Executive,
In the fall of 2017, the Ontario government
Lenovo, took the helm as Committee Chair
initiatives for our introduced several proposed changes to the
and is focused on increased SME access to
Task-based VOR (now known as the On-
government, innovation showcase forums
small and medium- Demand IT Services VOR). Based on member
as well as designing partnership, funding,
feedback, ITAC activated to address these
marketing and networking opportunities.
sized entrepreneurs changes as many felt they could prove
prohibitive, particularly to Ontario SMEs. ITAC
The Ontario Public Sector Business Committee
(SME) members. will be continuing to work with government to
(ONPSBC) provides a single voice for our
monitor this VOR as well as other vehicles.
industry in Ontario, focusing on providing value
Our member-only Fireside Chat series continues to the Ontario Public Sector as well as to our
to offer intimate and off-the-record discussions members and prospective members. Co-Chairs
of issues affecting leaders in Government. Karen Franklin and Shannon Lundquist, Head
Deputy Ministers, CIOs and ADMs from Ontario Consulting Leader, Deloitte, continue to guide
Public Service (OPS) and Broader Public Sector the strategy and priorities, in collaboration with
(BPS) are invited to meet with our members in dedicated committee members.
this interactive and informal forum.
For more information on ITAC Ontario, please
ITAC continues to work actively with the City contact Denise Shortt, VP, Industry Development,
of Toronto on procurement improvement and dshortt@itac.ca.
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018
ITAC Health: Message from
Establishing the Canadian healthcare
theleader
industry as a global ITAC Chair
ITAC Health ITAC Health works with its members, and evaluate Canada’s current state of digital
governments and other stakeholders to realize health interoperability jurisdiction by jurisdiction.
members believe the opportunities inherent in the digital health This work is in collaboration with the College
marketplace. This includes acute-care, primary for Family Physicians Canada, the Canadian
that it is imperative care, home and community care and consumer Medical Association and the School of Health
health. As the voice of the digital health industry Information Sciences at the University of Victoria;
to advocate for the in Canada, ITAC Health provides thought and builds upon the position paper on Canadian
leadership on how we can improve the health of Healthcare Interoperability Standards published
development of a Canadians while building a robust and dynamic by ITAC in 2016. The Committee presented
digital health industry that can compete on a the initial findings of the study at the National
well governed and
global scale. e-Health Conference in Vancouver in May 2018.
planned Canadian
Across Canada, there is an effort to renew our Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-
Digital Health legacy hospital systems and build upon the Term Care HIS Renewal Program
health information infrastructure that has been
ITAC Health is actively engaged with the
Agenda that will developed over the past four decades. A major
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term
enabler for change is support to the thousands
Care’s (MHLTC) Hospital Information System
improve patient of small Canadian companies developing
(HIS) Renewal initiative. This is an opportunity
innovative health solutions that disrupt the status
outcomes and quo, while improving the health and well-being
to transform Ontario’s HIS landscape into a
platform for a high-performing, patient-centred
of Canadians.
further enhance healthcare system. In support of HIS Renewal,
ITAC Health members believe that it is imperative MHLTC asked ITAC Health to facilitate an
the efficiencies of to advocate for the development of a well open session inviting the vendor community
governed and planned Canadian Digital Health to engage in a meaningful dialogue that will
Canada’s healthcare accelerate innovation and help shape Ontario’s
Agenda that will improve patient outcomes and
approach to HIS investments. ITAC Health’s
services. further enhance the efficiencies of Canada’s
Advocacy Committee continues to provide
healthcare services.
industry input into the province’s consumer
Canadian Healthcare Interoperability health and hospital information system renewal
Standards initiatives, including specific advice concerning
innovative approaches to procurement and
The Interoperability and Standards Committee is program delivery. This collaborative engagement
leading the development of a Canadian National will continue.
Interoperability Scorecard that will compare
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018ITAC Health:
Establishing the Canadian healthcare
industry as a global leader
(continued)
HealthCareCAN – Declaration of PrescribeIT™ working groups. The goal of the
Commitment to Cybersafe Healthcare working groups is to provide an opportunity
for meaningful stakeholder contribution to
HeathCareCAN issued a call to action earlier
positively shape the future development and
this year to address strengthened cyber security
implementation of PrescribeIT™, which will
preparedness in Canadian healthcare. ITAC
benefit prescribers, pharmacists and pharmacies.
Health is actively supporting this call to action,
ITAC Health will be represented on the Growth
along with a growing list of organizations as
and Development Working Group.
a collective, to recognize the importance and
urgency of protecting critical infrastructure
systems and data against cyber threats in
Educational Sessions, Workshops and
Canadian healthcare. The approach being
Networking Events
stylized is consistent with the National Strategy Delivering valuable educational eHealth update
for Critical Infrastructure endorsed by federal, sessions, webinars and topic-specific workshops
“Innovations in healthcare provincial and territorial governments as well as across Canada remains an important focus for
Canada’s Action Plan for Critical Information. ITAC Health. ITAC Health partners with Digital
technology, alongside Health Canada to host the annual Canadian
advancements in care ITAC Health Advocacy – Health Informatics Awards in conjunction with
Accelerating the Adoption of Digital the National e-Health Conference each year.
coordination and workflow, Health Technologies in Canada ITAC Health members also publish articles in the
industry journal HIM&CC, the official journal
are crucial components The ITAC Health Advocacy Committee is
of ITAC Health and Digital Health Canada,
engaged in the creation of a white paper,
to delivering high-quality identifying current issues and solutions in the
Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Health
eHealth sector. These articles are also posted on
Technologies in Canada, that will support the
care, improving long-term Committee’s mandate by explaining that there
the ITAC website and through social media.
clinical outcomes, and is opportunity and need for a more strategic
ITAC Health continues to partner with Digital
approach for the acceleration and adoption of
Health Canada and held the 12th annual CHIA
enhancing the journey on emerging digital health technologies in Canada.
Awards Gala in Toronto in June 2017, with over
The paper will highlight the importance and
both the patient and health benefits of these emerging technologies to the
600 attendees. The annual Canadian Reception
@ HIMSS, hosted by ITAC Health, was held in
system side. Our mandate progression of our digital health system.
Las Vegas in March of this year, with over 700
attendees.
must continue to prioritize Canada Health Infoway PrescribeIT™
Working Groups For more information, please contact
‘innovations and innovative
ITAC Health continues its collaborative Elaine Huesing, Executive Director, ITAC Health,
thinking’ to providers of relationship with Canada Health Infoway and ehuesing@itac.ca.
will be participating as a stakeholder in their
healthcare services on behalf
of our membership.”
– Gary Folker, Chair,
ITAC Health Board
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018ITAC Talent:
Improving the talent pool and skills for
growth in Canada’s digital economy
Presentation to Wilfrid Laurier University for their 2017 BTM TalentMash
accreditation of its BTM Program. With Robert Watson,
President and CEO, ITAC, Gina van Dalen, Executive Director,
ITAC Talent, Patricia Genoe McLaren, Associate Professor,
Business Technology Management and Micheál J. Kelly,
Dean, School of Business and Economics, Laurier
ITAC Talent provides Talent is the foundation of our rapidly- community of over 2,000 professionals
expanding tech sector and of tech-based and students. This year, the Forum started
national leadership innovations across the country. It’s not enough the MITACS-funded development of the
to meet the demand for tech skills: Canada BTM Body of Knowledge (BOK), which
to ensure that must double down on its strengths to extend will provide a systematic, exhaustive, and
its global leadership. evolving framework for professional practice
Canadian employers, standards. The Forum also launched the BTM
Inspiring Youth – Xplore STEM Youth Certification Program and registered over
in all sectors of Conference 100 BTM graduates as Associates. Program
accreditation provides assurance that a
the economy, ITAC believes that early
program meets the quality standards of the
exposure in a supportive
have access to profession for which that program prepares
and encouraging
graduates. We are proud to announce the
environment is the key to shifting mindsets
information and and helping students build confidence
accreditation of BTM programs at Wilfrid
Laurier University, Red River College,
to embrace these fields. ITAC Talent has
communications partnered with a fantastic team of students at
Université Laval, Université du Québec à
Rimouski, and Concordia University.
technology (ICT) Glenforest Secondary School in Mississauga,
Ontario to organize the 2018 Xplore STEM
BTM TalentMash
professionals with Youth Conference, Canada’s largest student
organized conference promoting careers in The BTM TalentMash
the talent and Science, Technology, Math and Engineering events are by far, one of
(STEM), bringing together over 1,200 high the best ways to enhance
skills that they school students from across the Greater BTM student’s employability skills. From
Toronto Area (GTA) to explore programs and keynote speakers to industry thought leaders,
need in a rapidly careers to help clarify their plans for the future. interactive skills sessions to the popular annual
student tech challenge competitions, the
changing technology Business Technology Management event creates a great way to connect BTM
and competitive (BTM) Forum students and recent graduates from across
the country. The BTM TalentMash attracted
The ITAC BTM Forum is
environment. the leading organization
over 500 students and dozens of employers
this year from across Canada, including
for professionals with
Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton and
hybrid business, technology and management
Vancouver.
acumen. Launched in 2016, it is now a
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018ITAC Talent:
Improving the talent pool and skills for
growth in Canada’s digital economy
First place winners for the BTM National Student Competition 2017 BTM TalentMash
at Ryerson this June.
(continued)
The TalentMash Work Integrated Learning – medium-sized tech companies across Canada.
Career Ready ITAC Career Ready also partnered with
is a great avenue ITAC officially launched
Magnet Today to offer an innovative matching
technology that connects employers with
its Career Ready Work
for employers to Integrated Learning
students. The technology, available both via
web and app environments, creates the ability
(WIL) program this
connect with these year. The program
for a student to highlight and showcase their
education, skills, projects, and qualifications;
is funded through
talented students the Government of Canada’s Student
and for employers to quickly create targeted
career postings and automatically learn about
Work Integrated Learning Program (SWILP)
and engage and brings together ICT companies,
available candidates matching their needs.
post-secondary educational institutions, For more information, please contact Gina
in meaningful and students, and creates qualified WIL van Dalen, Executive Director, ITAC Talent, at
opportunities. The Career Ready program gvandalen@itac.ca
conversations placed 250 students in mainly small and
with students
about some of
the upcoming
technology trends
in the market and
how different
organizations are
embracing them.
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018Diversity and Inclusion:
Raising awareness and increasing diversity
for our members, partners and stakeholders
Denise Shortt, Vice President, Industry Development, ITAC, Mary Whittle, Chair, ITAC Women on Boards, Co-Chair, ITAC
Barbara Williams, Executive Vice President & COO, Corus Diversity Council and Jaimie Leverton, General Manager, Vice
Entertainment, and Joanne Stanley, Executive Director, President Canada and APAC, Cogeco Peer 1; ITAC/WCT Women
Women in Communications (WCT) at ITAC/WCT Women in in Leadership event
Leadership event
ITAC continues Women continue to represent less than 30 and interested in director appointments. The
per cent of Canada’s technology workforce. Committee set out to identify key women
to help diversify ITAC is committed to encouraging the growth believed to have strong credentials, and
and development of women in technology organized two extremely well-received Board
Canada’s technology through research, special events and keeping Discovery Day sessions to educate women on
the issue central in public policy. ITAC initiated board governance.
workforce through the Diversity Advisory Committee due to the
overwhelming evidence that gender diversity ITAC research on the issue of corporate
four streams: Board throughout an organization has significant governance concluded that:
impact on its performance and profitability.
Diversity, Women in • balanced boards are better boards;
• diverse boards drive more profitable
Our Diversity Advisory Committee has
Leadership, Female over sixty active members and focuses on
companies;
• women directors tend toward cooperation,
Entrepreneurship four pillars: Talent in the Pipeline, Women
collaboration and consensus; and
Entrepreneurs, Women on Boards and
• board composition sets the tone for the
and Influencing the Women in Leadership.
company’s position on diversity.
Pipeline. Our Women in Leadership speaker
As a result of our Women on Boards
series, created with partner Women in
programming, we are now close to 50 highly
Communications and Technology (WCT),
qualified, board-ready women, willing to serve
was extremely well attended last year, and
as corporate directors. Efforts will continue in
showcased female leaders from Corus
2018 to match qualified candidates with key
Entertainment, Hewlett-Packard, Cogeco Peer
opportunities, and we will continue to seek
1 and Cisco. We continue to partner with
strategic opportunities and partnerships to
other like-minded organizations including
promote our database of female leaders to
Ryerson University and IT World to promote
Canadian corporations.
and host this successful series; and are
beginning to expand our reach by hosting In February and April 2017, ITAC’s Women on
events in communities across the country. Boards Committee (chaired by Mary Whittle,
principal, Strategic Marketing Matters) hosted
One of the highest profile diversity initiatives
two advisory round table sessions to address
has been the creation of a Women on Boards
gender representation on national private and
Registry that profiles board-ready women
public boards. Leaders from organizations
with technology experience who are qualified
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018Diversity and Inclusion:
Raising awareness and increasing diversity
for our members, partners and stakeholders
(continued)
Co-Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee.
ITAC is also including the 30% Club, Catalyst Canada,
Women Get on Boards, Women’s Executive Under her leadership, ITAC will be expanding
to include programming beyond the gender
partnering Network, Women in Capital Markets, Ontario
Securities Commission, City of Toronto, focus to include ethnic equality, Indigenous
peoples, and persons with disabilities. The
with provincial and Institute of Corporate Directors are
participating in these sessions and have new Diversity and Inclusion mandate will
be released in the Fall of 2018 as well as to
and federal committed to collaborate further on this
important issue. expand our programming to other provinces
and jurisdictions across Canada.
governments to ITAC is also partnering with provincial and
federal governments to collaborate on gender If you would like to participate in ITAC’s
collaborate on initiatives and support public policy designed Diversity Initiatives, please contact Denise
to increase diversity. Shortt, VP Industry Development, dshortt@
gender initiatives itac.ca.
In January 2018, ITAC National Board member,
and support public Lisa Carroll, SVP, CGI, took the position of
policy designed to
increase diversity.
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018ITAC Membership:
Advocacy, networking and professional
development services
Our members As a member-driven, not-for-profit Our focus on talent, diversity and health
Association, ITAC offers its over 330 members technology means that our members have the
are entitled to: – which cover the spectrum from small ability to connect with top experts in the field.
start-up to multinational conglomerates – the ITAC is the voice of the ICT industry in
best practices opportunity to share information, collaborate Canada. We are committed to enhancing
and contribute to the advancement of the the recognition of the strategic value of
and professional Canadian information, communications and ICT within business and government. The
technology (ICT) industry. Association continues to raise awareness of
development; the profession’s impact through a wide range
Publications, industry-specific research, papers of communications initiatives.
potential career and reports, for example, help our members
to stay on top of the trends, opportunities Members are encouraged to participate at
opportunities and challenges facing Canada’s ICT sector. all levels of ITAC. Some of the roles that
through networking; ITAC also offers the ITAC community an are available include: serving on the board,
opportunity to connect, collaborate and volunteering for a committee, or becoming
a strong peer learn from each other, through national a mentor. Many members also contribute by
conferences, industry-leading forums and participating as facilitators in events or on
community; latest complimentary webinars. All-in-all, we webinars, and as event sponsors or exhibitors.
connect with thousands of individuals and
news, research and organizations each year. To learn more, contact Director of
Membership and Business Development,
trends; advocacy; ITAC has a long and strong history in Mariana Kutin Morais at
Canada, with 67 years of engagement with mkutin_morais@itac.ca; or visit
and leadership government, industry partners, academia, and http://itac.ca/become-an-itac-member/
our members. Our success is our collective
opportunities. voice and strong member engagement.
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018ITAC Events:
Building relationships, networking and
learning from industry experts
2017 ITAC Ingenious Award and CanadianCIO of the Year 2017 ITAC Golf Challenge
Award winners.
Last year, ITAC Enhancing thought leadership activities attendees each year (and is growing); the
through forums and speaking engagements; ITAC Ingenious Awards and CanadianCIO
developed and progressing toward a shared vision of the Awards gala sees more than 300 attendees
future of the ICT industry; and continuing annually; and our joint partnership with
executed more than to engage with the industry by facilitating Women in Communications Technology
and participating in initiatives where ITAC Women in Leadership series welcomes more
100 events and has subject matter knowledge or expertise than a few hundred participants at each
to contribute are key components to ITAC’s event. Others are by invitation only – exclusive
activities, attracting events planning. to members to provide industry and topic-
specific information, often presented by
thousands of Each year, ITAC manages a wide-variety of federal government officials, interested in ICT
events, ranging from Board, Committee and sector feedback and input. Examples include
members, thought Working Group meetings, to its premier dinners with Ministers of Parliament and our
leaders and industry Ingenious Awards program, to industry- ‘Fireside Chats’ with industry leaders on topics
sponsored events, as well as programs that range from compliance on Canada’s
experts alike developed to connect academia, business Anti Spam Law (CASL) to transforming cities
leaders and students of all ages. These through innovation.
throughout the year. events cover diversity and inclusion initiatives;
industry and government leader panel Our events program is growing. If you are
discussions; marketing think tanks; exclusive interested in being an event sponsor, a
industry forums and more. keynote speaker, have an idea about a great
opportunity or would like to learn more,
Last year, ITAC developed and executed more contact Director of Events and Program
than 100 events and activities, attracting Development, Christine Leonard at
thousands of members, thought leaders cleonard@itac.ca. For ITAC specific or
and industry experts alike throughout the ITAC-supported industry event listings, visit
year. Our annual ITAC Health Canadian www.itac.ca/events.
Reception at HIMSS attracts more than 600
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018Committees, Working
Groups and Forums
ITAC’s committees, working groups and forums and best practices in a group environment.
ITAC’s committees,
play an important role in connecting ITAC Participants can earn re-certification points for
working groups members with strategic partner organizations their Certified Human Resources Professional
and federal and regional government officials (CHRP) and Certified Compensation
and forums play and policy makers. Each committee provides Professional (CPP) designations by attending.
a collaborative forum for the exchange of
an important role knowledge and information enabling our Internet of Things (IoT) Forum
members to provide strategic input to the work The IoT Forum tracks developments in the
in connecting ITAC of the association. Many of our Forums are ‘Internet of Things’, a complex convergence
educational in nature, and we encourage all of the various technologies and services from
members with members to join in those with open invitations across the ICT sector. High-potential markets
to learn more about the topics that interest are expected to include: asset tracking in
strategic partner
them. Below is a list of some of our most active retail, distribution and government; connected
organizations and committees and forums. vehicles; payments; process control in energy
and utilities; monitoring in healthcare; and
federal and regional smart cities and smart buildings.
Forums
government officials Legal Affairs Forum
Business Technology Management
This Forum examines ad hoc legal issues
and policy makers. (BTM) Forum
which arise within the ICT industry, such as
The BTM Forum is the national forum for
changes to the Integrity Framework, Patent
managing BTM activities. It’s a multifaceted
Act, PIPEDA, CASL or other laws and policies.
organization governed by the BTM
The recommendations from the Forum are
Forum Governing Council, that comprises
then presented to Government as concrete
representatives who are responsible for
solutions. This Forum is also an excellent
steering the organization’s overall direction on
networking opportunity for lawyers working
members’ behalf. Members include individuals
with our sector.
from both industry and the academic
community.
Marketing & Sales Executive Think Tank
This event brings together seasoned
Cyber Security Forum
marketing executives to discuss a wide
ITAC’s Cyber Security Forum is an industry-
range of topics in an open, collaborative and
government policy roundtable. It is widely
entertaining environment. Roundtables often
regarded as a key venue for industry-
involve breakaway sessions and group work.
government discussion of new and ongoing
cyber-security issues and related policies,
responses and solutions. Topics covered
include cyber aspects of national security,
Committees
network security, smart-grid security, Tax and Finance Committee
cryptography policy, BYoD and device security, This Committee proposes tax changes which
identity management, authentication, spam, will benefit the ICT sector. The suggestions
malware, cyber warfare, privacy, etc. from this Committee form the basis of ITAC’s
annual Budget submission to the Federal
Human Resources (HR) Forum Government. The Committee also provides an
The HR Forum is a peer-to-peer networking opportunity for members to flag issues and to
group that allows for information sharing offer their analysis of the current tax climate.
and discussion of the latest HR trends, views
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018Committees, Working
Groups and Forums
Each committee ITAC Diversity Advisory Committee government leaders. It also hosts bi-annual
This Committee designs and implements events with the Corporate Chief Information
provides a programming to support women through Officer of the Ontario Government, and
all stages of their career life cycle. It several of his CIOs.
collaborative forum comprises four pillars of influence, managed
through four sub-committees: ITAC Talent Women on Boards Committee
for the exchange Programming; Women in Leadership This Committee has established a registry
Committee; Women on Boards Committee; of technology experienced women who are
of knowledge and and Women Entrepreneurs. qualified and interested in Board of Director’s
appointment. Candidates can participate
information enabling
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in “Board Discovery Days” where thought-
our members to Committee leaders and educators share the qualifications,
The goal of the Committee is to help SMEs requirements and roles of Boards of Directors
provide strategic connect with other SMEs, large companies and in providing excellence in governance.
the Government, and to provide innovative
input to the work of services and insight to drive growth and grow ITAC Health Advocacy Committee
the SME market. The Committee is responsible This committee works on developing
the association. for driving the success of the Entrepreneur and research and position papers that support
Innovation Agenda in Ontario. industry partners as they make their case
to various levels of government. The group
Public Sector Business Committees (PSBC) nurtures close co-operation with groups like
ITAC has two Public Sector Business Canada Heath Infoway (CHI), The Canadian
Committees: Federal and Ontario. Interprofessional Health Collaborative
(CHIC), COACH, Canada’s Health Informatics
Federal PSBC Association, MEDEC, the national medical
Our Federal Public Sector Business Committee technology industry association, government
brings together senior corporate business agencies across Canada and provincial
leaders whose companies focus on sales ministries. Procurement issues are often front
to government. The committee meets to and centre in committee work.
monitor, assess and advise on procurement
policies and practices. Government officials are ITAC Health Membership and Program
regular participants of the meetings and on Development
developments with ICT procurement initiatives. This committee develops relevant educational
The Committee has councils for large programming and partnership events to address
transformational projects, professional services, emerging issues in digital medicine and health.
government relations, telecom, and terms and By bringing together members and potential
conditions. These councils consist of interested partners, the committee hopes to create industry
members and are responsible for reviewing synergies and support new ideas.
issues and presenting recommendations to
government. ITAC also organizes Executive ITAC Health Interoperability and
Briefings on a quarterly basis. Standards Committee
This group is focused on data health system
Ontario PSBC use. Membership offers participants a voice
ITAC’s Ontario Public Sector Business at the decision-making tables as standards
Committee monitors, assesses and advises are identified in this emerging area. The
on public sector business and government committee also provides invaluable guidance
procurement policies and practices in Ontario. to ITAC Health’s representatives on various
It regularly hosts members-only Fireside national and international standards
Chat events that provide unique access to committees.
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018ITAC Advocacy:
Advocating for a favourable policy and
legislative environment for ICT organizations
Minister Carla Qualtrough giving a keynote presentation on 2017 Hill Day participants including ITAC executives, members
bringing agile procurement to the Government of Canada and National Board of Directors, at Parliament Hill.
Advocacy is an Advocacy is an essential part of ITAC’s institutionalizing Digital Government
mandate. We work with leadership at the Approaches (Innovative Solutions Canada,
essential part of federal and provincial levels along with key IDEaS, CDS); modernizing Federal Procurement,
officials across the broader public service including developing Agile Procurement;
ITAC’s mandate. We to facilitate innovation, collaboration and expanding STEM and ICT Talent Development;
community growth. and developing partnerships with the ICT
work with leadership industry to deliver a cyber secure Canada.
Budget Day 2017
at the federal and ITAC’s ongoing federal advocacy work has Hill Day
provincial levels made a major impact in Ottawa. In Budget Over 20 ITAC member organizations and
2017, many of the major issues our industry Board Directors engaged with Ministers,
along with key advocated hard for were delivered as part of senior ministerial delegates and bureaucratic
the Innovation Agenda. For Budget 2018, we leadership as part of our annual Hill Day event.
officials across the focused on the implementation of key 2017 Our focus was to provide input towards future
commitments and on raising the profile on budget announcements and to advocate for
broader public important issues that are yet to be addressed, issues that still need to be addressed.
specifically areas around talent, cyber security
service to facilitate and digital government. Advocacy Highlights:
innovation, ITAC’s Budget Day event in 2017 helped •C
ommittee Appearances: ITAC executives
form the central component of ITAC’s federal appeared often in front of Parliamentary
collaboration and lobby efforts leading up to Budget 2018. Committees throughout the year.
Teams of executives met with Ministers and Examples include: NDU, the Commons
community growth. senior government officials to support ITAC’s Industry Committee on the CASL review;
24 recommendations on how the federal the Commons Ethics Committee on the
government can support the continued growth PIPEDA review.; the Commons Government
of Canada’s information and communications Operations and Expenditures Committee
technology (ICT) industry. These included: (OGGO) to discuss SMEs and government
updating Canada’s Scientific Research and procurement; and the Alberta Standing
Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit Committee on Families and Communities
to support SME scale-up; accelerating Capital who were reviewing lawful access protocols
Cost Allowances to expand ICT infrastructure; and responding to calls from civil society to
investing in 5G networks; building Smart extend these requirements to those who
Infrastructure to protect investments; provide mobile software.
(continued over)
ITAC Annual Review 2017-2018ITAC Advocacy:
Advocating for a favourable policy and
legislative environment for ICT organizations
(continued)
ITAC partnered with •G
oing Agile Conference: In October 2017, on the importance of forum selection clauses
ITAC hosted a one-day event to help the in providing legal certainty in the digital
other organizations, Government of Canada “Go Agile”. This economy, especially for small enterprises that
event helped inform Government about the can quickly grow to global scale.
such as the Council Agile modernization initiatives underway and
In the ruling, it’s clear that ITAC’s position
shared best practices found across the ICT
was important to the Court – the dissenting
of Canadian sector in other jurisdictions.
opinion explicitly mentions the ITAC’s
submissions and ITAC was the only intervener
Innovators and the •C
onsultations:
mentioned by name.
1. Integrity Regime: In November 2017, ITAC
Information and responded to Public Services and Procurement
4. Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL): ITAC
has worked with a coalition of industry
Canada’s Integrity Regime consultation
Communications and proposals for Deferred Prosecution
associations to advocate for updates to CASL,
including a delay on the introduction of the
Agreements. Recognizing the legitimate goal
Technology Council, of addressing corporate corruption, ITAC
Private Right of Action clause. ITAC was
heavily involved in the Parliamentary Review
believes that serious cases of corporate fraud
to provide input and economic crime should be addressed
of CASL in 2017.
by Government. Deferred Prosecution 5. Canadian Cyber Security Strategy: ITAC
to Public Safety Agreements have an important role to play partnered with other organizations such as
in providing the necessary balance that is the Council of Canadian Innovators and the
Canada on the missing from the current Integrity Policy. Information and Communications Technology
Council to provide input to Public Safety
Government of 2. Private Corporation Tax Changes: ITAC
Canada on the Government of Canada’s
submitted an industry response to Finance
National Cyber Security Strategy. The new
Canada’s National Canada’s consultations on tax planning
Strategy is expected to be released prior to
using private corporations. ITAC’s submission
the summer break of Parliament.
Cyber Security focused on potential impacts of the new tax
measures on Canada’s innovation ecosystem 6. NAFTA and Trade Policy: ITAC has been
Strategy. – including the challenges of access to capital engaging with Global Affairs Canada to
and industry’s sensitivity to changes in capital ensure ICT industry priorities are considered
gains tax. during renegotiation of NAFTA. As
negotiations are ongoing with some chapters
3. Privacy, ITAC Intervention at the Supreme such as Telecom having closed, the Canadian
Court of Canada: Last November, ITAC negotiators have largely adopted ITAC
intervened at the Supreme Court of Canada positions. ITAC continues to be engaged
(SCC) on behalf of Facebook in Douez v. with the U.S. based Information Technology
Facebook. The appeal considered the validity Industry Council to ensure consistency in
of forum selection clauses in consumer user approaches, where it make sense.
agreements. The Facebook user agreement
sets out that any legal disputes must be For more information about ITAC Advocacy,
pursued in California courts. Douez is leading contact Andre Leduc, VP, Government Relations
a class action arguing Facebook breached BC and Policy, aleduc@itac.ca, or Nevin French, VP,
privacy law, and that the case should be heard Policy at nfrench@itac.ca.
in BC. ITAC’s intervention at the SCC focused
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