Ontario
Elevating Public Finance: Trust, Transparency, and Strategic Foresight in a Changing Economy
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September 17, 2026 -
1:00PM – 4:00PM
ET -
Virtual event
Elevating Public Finance: Trust, Transparency, and Strategic Foresight in a Changing Economy
Public-sector finance is navigating heightened expectations for transparency amid economic risk and shifting priorities. Grounded in a current economic outlook, this event will equip attendees with the tools, insights, and mindsets to respond to shifting fiscal realities. It emphasizes the evolving role of finance professionals as strategic advisors—strengthening trust through clear, evidence-based decision-making while enabling future-ready finance functions to drive value, resilience, and informed outcomes in an increasingly complex environment.
Agenda (ET)
- 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Teams Meeting open for participants
- 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Welcome and Opening Remarks – Samantha Poisson, Deputy Minister (MPBSDP)
- 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: Economic Realities and Fiscal Pressures Shaping the Public-Sector Landscape
- David-Alexandre Brassard, Chief Economist, CPA Canada – In a period of economic uncertainty and fiscal pressure, understanding the broader landscape is critical for effective public-sector decision-making. This session will delve into the current Canadian and Ontario economic outlook, providing insights into key economic trends including inflation, productivity, labour market, and fiscal pressures which shape government priorities and decision making.
- 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Risk, Resilience, and Institutional Preparedness in an Era of Complexity
- Monica Kowal, Executive in Residence, Global Risk Institute – This session will provide an overview of the growing pressures and uncertainty from the interconnected risks currently challenging both the Province of Ontario and the global financial system including geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, and cyber, operational, and reputational risk. The session will address the evolving risk environment, the technological disruption accelerators, geopolitical stresses, and the organizational mitigation strategies needed to enhance resilience. Participants will explore how public sector professionals can strengthen decision making through strategic risk awareness, evidence-based analysis, and adaptive leadership.
- 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Break
- 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM: Trust by Design: How AI, Data, and Transparency Are Transforming Public Finance \
- Stephen Burt, Associate Deputy Minister and Chief Strategy, AI, and Data Officer – As artificial intelligence and data capabilities continue to reshape the public sector, building trust through responsible, transparent, and evidence-based practices has never been more important. This session will provide an update on the work underway across the Ontario Public Service to advance the AI and Data Strategy. Participants will explore how emerging technologies, data-driven decision-making, and strong governance frameworks are transforming public finance and supporting more effective, accountable, and citizen-centered outcomes.
- 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks – Amanda Jankowski, Chair, Finance & Business Management Council
Event Details (ET)
- Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
- Location: Online – MS Teams
- EARN 2.5 CPD CREDITS!
- Cost: Free
For more information please contact: fmiontario@fmi.ca
Speakers
David-Alexander Brassard
David-Alexandre Brassard is the Chief Economist at CPA Canada and a sought-after commentator on economic issues. With a strong grasp of public policy and a deep understanding of Canada’s role in the global economy, he provides timely, data-driven insights that inform decision-makers across sectors. He regularly contributes to national conversations on inflation, fiscal policy, and economic resilience, helping Canadians make sense of complex economic trends. His bilingual expertise and clear communication style make him a trusted voice in media, government, and business circles alike.
Monica Kowal
Monica Kowal is a senior leader in governance, public policy, risk management, and AI oversight. A former Global Chief Compliance Officer at TD Bank and Vice-Chair and General Counsel of the Ontario Securities Commission, she is now Principal of BoardView AI, advising boards and executives on AI governance. Throughout her career, Monica has advised governments on regulatory reform and systemic risk, represented Canada in international regulatory initiatives, and built a successful cross-border legal practice at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. At TD, she led enterprise governance and compliance initiatives, including the responsible use and oversight of AI. She also teaches in Osgoode Hall Law School’s executive programs, is authoring a book on AI governance for corporate directors, and holds degrees from the University of Tübingen and the University of Toronto.
Stephen Burt
Stephen Burt is an Associate Deputy Minister and Chief Strategy, Artificial Intelligence and Data Officer in the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. Prior to joining the Ontario provincial government, Mr. Burt had a distinguished career with the Government of Canada, spanning operational, policy, data and defence intelligence roles with the Department of National Defence, Privy Council Office and Treasury Board Secretariat. He served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Director for Afghanistan and, later, for Asia in the Intelligence Assessment Secretariat at the Privy Council Office and Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence in the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command. Most recently, Stephen was the Chief Data Officer at the Treasury Board Secretariat where he provided cross-government leadership on information and data governance, data integration, privacy modernization, and data-enabled digital services and programs. He has a deep understanding of how trusted information, strong institutions, and thoughtful use of technology can support effective public services.