The Big Story

Buying Canadian Is Not Enough: Building True Technological Independence

A practical technology roadmap for going from foreign vendor lock-in to harnessing Canadian innovation.

Many organizations face a critical paradox in their technology procurement: attempts to reduce reliance on American software solutions often inadvertently increase dependence on other foreign tech giants—swapping one form of vendor lock-in for another, while undermining support for Canadian innovation.

This "sovereignty trap" demands a nuanced approach. True technological independence isn't achieved through binary choices but exists on a spectrum where strategic decisions collectively build meaningful sovereignty.

Research shows the impact extends beyond budgets to operational efficiency. Each notification interruption costs public sector staff approximately 23 minutes of regained focus time—a productivity drain multiplied across thousands of government employees daily.

There are terrific opportunities to build custom, Canadian-built solutions using standards like Matrix to create a tailor-made solution for your business to centralize multiple communications and messaging feeds. Similarly, architecting for portability with Canadian cloud providers, where possible, creates infrastructure resilience against foreign exchange risks and contractual exposures.

The path forward requires identifying which foreign technologies are truly essential versus which could be replaced with Canadian alternatives that align with public sector requirements for security, privacy, and compliance.

Discover our complete framework for building technological sovereignty in your organization—one strategic decision at a time—and transform your digital independence.

Read the full story now.

Ready to build true technological independence in your projects? Let’s chat.

Your April Event Calendar!

Victoria
Apr. 3 | Narratives: The Storytelling Power of Design
Explore how design can be a powerful tool in storytelling and shaping narratives.
TIME: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM PDT
PLACE: KWENCH, 2031 Store Street, Suite A, Victoria, BC
COST: Free
Event Details

Vancouver
Apr. 16 | Designing for Equity: A Two-Part Masterclass Series
A deep dive into designing systems that promote equity through design.
TIME: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM PDT
PLACE: SFU Beedie School of Business, RADIUS SFU - 200-308 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
COST: Up to $775
Event Details

Calgary
Apr. 2 | Calgary Economic Development's Report to the Community
Join community leaders for a report on the latest economic development initiatives in Calgary.
TIME: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM MDT
PLACE: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, 136 8 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, AB
COST: From $42
Event Details

Apr. 9 | Social Impact Starter Series 2025: Health Systems Transformation Initiative
Join innovators in social impact to discuss the transformation of health systems.
TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM MDT
PLACE: Social Innovation Hub, 3553 31 Street Northwest #suite 290, Calgary, AB
COST: Free
Event Details

Apr. 17 | The Power of Real-Time Data: Scaling Innovation for Startups & Enterprise
Learn how real-time data can scale innovation for startups and large enterprises alike.
TIME: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM MDT
PLACE: The Pioneer, 117 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4
COST: Free
Event Details

Montreal
Apr. 9 | Building More Resilient, Secure & Smarter Supply Chains with AI & Data
Explore how AI and data are transforming supply chain security and resilience.
TIME: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
PLACE: Donald E Armstrong Building 3rd Floor, Room 365/370, 3420 Rue McTavish, Montréal, QC
COST: Free
Event Details

Apr. 22 | Art of Storytelling with Data
Master the art of storytelling using data to communicate powerful narratives.
TIME: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
PLACE: 1 Place Ville-Marie, Montréal, QC
COST: $44
Event Details

Apr. 29 | Enterprise Design in Practice
Learn how enterprise design is applied in real-world scenarios.
TIME: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
PLACE: 606 Rue Cathcart #bureau 400, Montréal, QC H3B 1K9
COST: Free
Event Details

Button Case Study

How Button Empowered Trans Care BC’s Digital Transformation

The Challenge:
Navigating the process for accessing publicly funded chest construction surgery in British Columbia was confusing and overwhelming for many patients. Trans Care BC needed a solution to simplify the journey, connect patients to essential support, and ensure a compassionate, user-friendly experience.

The Solution:
Button worked with Trans Care BC to build a comprehensive digital platform that addresses key pain points. The platform includes:

• A step-by-step guide for the surgery application process.

• A patient-centred workbook with worksheets, checklists, and emotional/physical preparation tools.

• An enhanced self-service approach that ensures policy consistency and efficient communication between patients and healthcare providers.

The Outcome:

• Empowered patients: Clear guidance provides reassurance and confidence.

• Reduced administrative burden: PHSA staff can focus on high-value tasks, rather than manual application processing.

• Improved patient care: Optimized resources ensure timely support.

• Increased efficiency: Automated updates and secure hosting ensure reliable, up-to-date information.

By simplifying the patient journey, Button helped Trans Care BC create a vital resource that supports individuals throughout their gender-affirming process.

Dive into the full case study here and see how we can help you.

Worth Your Attention

What We’re Reading: Human-centered Government, by Luis Barés

Human-Centered Government: Innovation Through Service Design by Luis Barés offers a transformative framework for improving government services through service design. Drawing from his extensive experience, including roles at NASA and YRCI, Barés illustrates how federal agencies can bridge the gap between strategy and execution, moving beyond traditional customer experience initiatives. The book provides actionable insights for federal leaders, program managers, and IT teams, showcasing methods like service blueprinting and customer journey mapping to enhance service delivery. Through real-world case studies, including examples from NASA and the TSA, Barés demonstrates how service design can modernize IT systems, streamline operations, and boost user satisfaction. This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to drive meaningful, user-centred innovation in government services.

Learn more and get the book here.

Further Reading

Stay on top of vital digital services news and tips by checking out insights from our previous newsletters!

BE MORE EMPATHETIC: A tale of technology and transformation in public services.

STREAMLINING FEATURE APPROVAL IN GOVERNMENT APPS: The Button secret for streamlining feature approvals for seamless, consistent user experiences across government applications.

NAVIGATING THE AI LANDSCAPE IN PUBLIC SERVICE: A decision-making framework for open-source vs. proprietary models.

REKINDLING DIGITAL TRUST: Button helps our partners build digital trust with their citizens every day. Learn how with our video, blog and white-paper guides today!

🔥 THE NEWEST HOT BUTTON REPORT: Learn how to rebuild trust with your stakeholders. Download the full, free report now.

Curious what a Canadian-first tech stack could look like for you?

We’ll happily walk you through three smart swaps that improve resilience, and reduce exposure without breaking your workflows.

Book a 30-minute working session with Button.

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