Mark Carney says Patrick Pichette brings "world-class expertise in digital transformation"

Canada’s federal government has launched a new technology modernization body, Digital Transformation Canada, with Patrick Pichette—former chief financial officer at Google and most recently an Inovia Capital partner—as its chief executive, announced Thursday. The agency will merge Shared Services Canada, the Canadian Digital Service, and some other departmental functions. Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that the move would improve public services, cut redundancy, help domestic tech businesses, and strengthen the economy. He characterized Pichette as bringing exceptional skill in overhauling government digital operations. Pichette has left Inovia and stepped down from board roles; he will report to Minister Joël Lightbound. Private-sector tech experts will serve short-term stints. Some industry leaders welcomed his appointment.