AI in the GC: What We’re Seeing and What Executives Need to Do

Date: October 6, 2026
Type: Online

Register Now!

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future consideration – it is already reshaping how organizations operate, make decisions, manage risk, and deliver services. Across the Government of Canada, executives are increasingly expected to make informed decisions about AI and lead its adoption responsibly.

But what does this mean in practice? What are departments actually experiencing? What challenges are emerging? And what do executives need to do now to prepare their organizations for an AI-enabled future?

Join APEX for a candid conversation with two senior leaders at the centre of the Government of Canada’s AI agenda. Drawing on their government-wide perspectives, an Executive (speaker to be confirmed) at Shared Services Canada, and Kara Beckles, Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data at the Treasury Board Secretariat, will share what they are seeing across departments, the common pitfalls and concerns they encounter, the opportunities that lie ahead, and the practical actions GC executives can take to advance AI within their organizations.

Whether you are already implementing AI solutions or just beginning to explore where AI can add value, this session will provide practical insights, strategic perspectives, and actionable advice to help you make informed decisions and lead with confidence.

Join us to learn what GC executives need to know, what they need to do, and how they can help shape the future of AI in the public service.

Event Details

Date & Time: October 6, 2026, 12:10 to 12:55 ET

Audience: All Public Service executives across Canada and internationally are invited to attend APEX’s learning events

Cost: Free

Language: This event will be bilingual. Simultaneous interpretation will be available via Wordly, an AI-based interpreting service.

Platform: Participants will attend our virtual event via Teams webinar. A meeting link will be sent once you are registered.

Meet the Speakers

Kara Beckles
Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Kara Beckles is Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, where she leads policy development related to privacy, responsible data use, and artificial intelligence across the federal public service. She is a recognized leader in data, policy, and analytics, with more than two decades of experience advancing evidence-based decision-making and government transformation.

Prior to joining TBS, Kara served as Chief Data Officer and Director General, Data Integration at the Privy Council Office, where she helped strengthen the use of data and insights to support government priorities and outcomes. She also held several executive positions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, including Director General, Research and Analysis and Director, Economic and Industry Analysis.

Kara holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from the University of Winnipeg. She is passionate about using data, innovation, and public policy to deliver better outcomes for Canadians.

Kara Beckles
Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Kara Beckles is Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, where she leads policy development related to privacy, responsible data use, and artificial intelligence across the federal public service. She is a recognized leader in data, policy, and analytics, with more than two decades of experience advancing evidence-based decision-making and government transformation.

Prior to joining TBS, Kara served as Chief Data Officer and Director General, Data Integration at the Privy Council Office, where she helped strengthen the use of data and insights to support government priorities and outcomes. She also held several executive positions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, including Director General, Research and Analysis and Director, Economic and Industry Analysis.

Kara holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from the University of Winnipeg. She is passionate about using data, innovation, and public policy to deliver better outcomes for Canadians.

Speaker TBC
Shared Services Canada

More to come.

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