Canada’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2021-2024 for the Department of Justice Canada

The Digital Transformation Strategy 2021-2024 for the Department of Justice Canada is a comprehensive plan aimed at revolutionising how the department operates and delivers services. This strategy is not merely focused on technological upgrades but emphasises the human element, ensuring that both employees and clients are at the forefront of this transformation. The strategy outlines the department’s commitment to modernising its digital landscape, which includes improving access to justice, enhancing service delivery, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Purpose and Vision

The primary purpose of this strategy is to guide the Department of Justice Canada in evolving its digital services and capabilities to deliver client-centric services efficiently. The vision is to create a powerful and flexible digital environment that maximises the value of investments in technology while enhancing the department’s ability to serve Canadians better.

Strategic Context

The strategy recognises the diverse and complex nature of the Department of Justice, which includes a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees, half of whom are lawyers. The department operates across Canada, providing specialised legal services to nearly all federal departments and agencies. This diverse operational landscape necessitates a robust and adaptable digital framework.

Key Drivers of Digital Transformation

1. Rising Public Expectations: Canadians expect government services to be as efficient and accessible as commercial services. This shift in expectations drives the need for the department to adopt more user-friendly and transparent digital services.
2. Departmental Vision and Priorities: The strategy aligns with the broader vision of the Department of Justice to deliver a fair, relevant, and accessible justice system while providing high-quality legal services to the federal government.
3. Policy on Service and Digital: The Government of Canada’s Policy on Service and Digital sets the foundation for this strategy, promoting integrated service management and the use of digital technologies to enhance service delivery.
4. Digital Opportunity and Innovation: Rapid advancements in digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics, offer unprecedented opportunities for the department to innovate and improve its operations.
5. Strategic Management of Data: The growing volume of data necessitates a strategic approach to data management to ensure that information is leveraged effectively for better decision-making and service delivery.
6. Cyber Security: As the department transitions to more digital operations, ensuring the security of data and information becomes paramount. The strategy emphasises the need for robust cyber security measures to protect sensitive information.
7. The New Reality: A Hybrid Workplace: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to remote work, necessitating the adoption of flexible and secure digital tools to support a hybrid work environment.
8. GC Enterprise Partnerships: Collaboration with other federal departments and agencies is essential for the successful implementation of this strategy. Integrated planning and shared resources will help achieve the digital transformation goals.

Strategic Shifts

To achieve its digital vision, the Department of Justice Canada will focus on several strategic shifts:

• User-Centric Design: Services will be designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring that they are intuitive and accessible.
• Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging data and analytics to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.
• Digital Collaboration: Implementing tools that enable seamless collaboration across the department and with external partners.
• Digital Culture and Mindset: Fostering a culture that embraces digital innovation and continuous learning.
• Secure Connectivity: Ensuring reliable and secure access to digital tools and information for all employees.
• Cloud-First Adoption: Prioritising cloud-based solutions to improve flexibility and scalability.
• Experimentation and Innovation: Encouraging experimentation with emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement.
• Effective Delivery Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships with other federal entities to maximise the value of digital investments.

Strategic Priorities

The strategy outlines several strategic priorities that will guide the department over the next three to five years:

1. Improve Access to Justice: Leveraging digital tools to make the justice system more accessible and efficient for all Canadians.
2. Provide Modern, Reliable, and Secure Connectivity: Ensuring that all employees have access to the digital tools they need, anytime and anywhere.
3. Develop an Open Justice Culture and Workforce: Promoting a digital-first mindset and equipping employees with the skills needed for the digital age.
4. Modernise Justice Services through Innovative Technologies: Utilising the latest digital technologies to enhance service delivery.
5. Maximise the Value of Data and Information: Developing a data-driven culture that uses information strategically to improve outcomes.
6. Deploy Modern Productivity and Collaboration Tools: Implementing tools that enhance productivity and collaboration within the department.