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AI in Action: From Drafting to Delivery: Real Government AI Success Stories in Communications

Date: October 20, 2026
Type: Online

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Artificial intelligence is transforming how public servants work, but the most valuable gains are not always measured in hours saved. Join us for a candid discussion with two Government of Canada leaders who are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance communications processes, products and quality.

Elana Aptowitzer, Head of Speechwriting at the Department of National Defence (DND), will share how AI is being integrated into the Ministerial speechwriting process to strengthen research, generate new ideas, improve transitions, adapt content to ministerial voice and tone, and produce higher-quality first drafts.

Participants will hear practical lessons on effective prompting, managing AI-generated content responsibly, and using AI as a trusted collaborator while maintaining human accountability.

The session will also feature Ian Gillespie, director from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), who will discuss how a team-led AI initiative accelerated the production of a departmental newsletter. This case study highlights how innovation can emerge from the grassroots, bringing together business experts, analysts, and technology teams to rethink established processes and deliver tangible improvements.

Together, these stories illustrate key themes emerging across the public service:

  • Using AI to improve quality, not just efficiency
  • Building a culture of experimentation and learning
  • Empowering employees to identify and solve business challenges
  • Maintaining human judgment and accountability in AI-assisted work
  • Developing practical prompting skills that unlock better results
  • Applying AI responsibly for research, drafting, editing, and knowledge management

Whether you are just beginning your AI journey or looking to scale successful practices within your organization, this session will provide real-world insights, lessons learned, and actionable ideas from senior leaders who are already putting AI to work.

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Event Details

Date & Time: October 20, 2026, 13:00 to 14:00 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

Elana Aptowitzer
Head of Speechwriting, Department of National Defence (DND)

Elana Aptowitzer is the Head of Speechwriting at the Department of National Defence, where she leads the development of speeches and key speaking engagements for senior departmental leaders, including the Minister, Deputy Ministers, and the Chief of the Defence Staff. She is widely recognized for her expertise in strategic communications, executive communications, and speechwriting within the Government of Canada.

A champion of professional development and innovation, Elana founded the Government of Canada’s first Speechwriters Community of Practice in 2016, creating a forum for federal speechwriters to share tools, best practices, and lessons learned. She has also taught speechwriting at Carleton University and has been recognized for her leadership and excellence in public service communications.

Before specializing in speechwriting, Elana spent nearly a decade as a communications advisor and spokesperson at National Defence, supporting high-profile files including Canada’s international defence relations, Arctic issues, domestic operations, and Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. She has also provided communications consulting through her company, Apt Words Communications, and has supported charitable organizations through volunteer communications work.

Elana holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from McGill University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from American University in Washington, D.C.

Ian Gillepsie
Departmental Assistant, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Ian Gillespie is currently a Departmental Assistant (Director level) in the Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), where he supports ministerial priorities and strategic initiatives at the intersection of policy, service delivery, and stakeholder engagement.

With nearly two decades of experience in the federal public service, Ian has held senior leadership positions across several central agencies and departments, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), and the Department of Finance Canada. His work has spanned labour market policy, temporary foreign worker programs, intergovernmental affairs, strategic planning, priorities management, and economic analysis.

Prior to joining the Minister’s Office, Ian served as Director of Federal-Provincial/Territorial Relations at ESDC, leading collaborations with provincial and territorial partners on key policy and program initiatives. He previously held director-level roles in Temporary Worker Policy at IRCC and Planning and Priorities at ESDC, where he helped shape strategic policy development and organizational planning. Earlier in his career, he served as a Senior Advisor at the Treasury Board Secretariat, an Economist at the Department of Finance Canada, and held various policy positions within ESDC.

Ian holds a Master of Arts in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Queen’s University.

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