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Why Canada's Best Public Services Start with the People Who Use Them
Discover how public organizations are making it happen and why this approach matters more than ever.
THE BIG STORY
Why Canada's Best Public Services Start with the People Who Use Them
Discover how public organizations are making it happen and why this approach matters more than ever. Read the full story here.
Canada's public sector is delivering some of its most sophisticated digital services yet. From AI-enabled systems to open data platforms, technology now shapes how people interact with government and public institutions. But there's a crucial difference between what works and what doesn't: starting with the people who actually use them.
Human-centred design isn't just a trend. It's how leading organizations are navigating the real challenges of public service delivery. They're balancing accessibility standards, privacy requirements, bilingual needs, and the realities of serving communities from urban centres to remote regions.
The approach goes deeper than better interfaces. It means engaging users early, designing complete services (not just digital touchpoints), and translating complexity into clarity. When GIS platforms, analytics dashboards, or AI systems are built around real workflows and decision points, they don't just look better. They work better.
The results speak for themselves. Easier navigation, higher adoption, fewer support requests, and systems that evolve alongside changing needs. In an era of emerging technologies and rising expectations, thoughtful design helps maximize impact while minimizing risk.
Canada's diverse communities deserve digital services that reflect their realities. Discover how public organizations are making it happen and why this approach matters more than ever.
ANNOUNCEMENT
From Maps to Meaning: Service Design in GIS
📅 Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 | 🕛 1 – 2 PM PST | Online
After kicking off 2026 with the second edition of our Smart Grants workshop (see below), we are excited to announce Volume 5 of the Button Workshop Series. On Wednesday, February 11th, we will be hosting our next virtual event, titled ”From Maps to Meaning: Service Design in GIS.”
In this workshop, you’ll experience how Button applies practical service design frameworks that work well for data-heavy spatial products, approaches journey mapping and personas across multiple GIS applications, balances user-centred design with constraints of data products already in use, and much more.
Interested in joining us? Register here!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Smart Grants: How You Can Leverage AI for Winning Applications
Earlier this month, Button hosted another round of our “Smart Grants: How You Can Leverage AI for Winning Applications 2.0,” as part of our Button Workshop Series.
This time, the event was facilitated by our very own Elliott Lee, PhD, who is a User Researcher here at Button.
Like last time, we wanted to explore the world of grants and how AI can enhance the writing process. With AI at the forefront of (what feels like) everything, we wanted to dive into the pros and cons of using it to deliver a strong grant application and secure funding.
The workshop started by reviewing the grant application process and what not to do, with an emphasis on how AI can make you more effective and efficient but it cannot replace you. You are ultimately responsible for the content of any proposal you submit and need to be mindful of this when using AI to do so.
Elliott also covered what not to do, particularly how important it is to fact-check the information provided by AI by verifying the materials and original sources, making sure you’re not doing anything that would violate your municipality’s or organization’s AI use policies, and not including any sensitive or private information in your AI prompts.
The group spent time focusing on where we can use AI, with the general consensus being that they are mainly using it to find funding opportunities and to ensure eligibility.
What was incredibly valuable for the group was the prompts that Elliott provided for everyone to use in their respective grant and proposal writing journeys. It’s always helpful to leave the workshop with a tangible tool.
💡Want the full deck? Reply to this email and ask for it. We’ll send it right away.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Victoria
February 3 | Victoria Public Sector Buyers Expo | Connect with public sector procurement professionals and suppliers at this specialized expo designed to foster relationships between government buyers and vendors. TIME: 10 AM – 2 PM PST PLACE: Chief and Petty Officers' Mess Hall, CFB Esquimalt, 1575 Lyall Street, Esquimalt PRICE: Free | DETAILS
February 12 | VIATEC AI Meetup: Business Track - February 2026 | Join fellow business leaders and AI enthusiasts to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence in business settings, featuring networking and knowledge sharing opportunities focused on real-world AI implementation strategies and business outcomes. TIME: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST PLACE: Fort Tectoria, 777 Fort Street, Victoria PRICE: Free | DETAILS
February 26 | VIATEC AI Meetup: Technology Track - February 2026 | A technical-focused gathering for developers, data scientists, and AI practitioners to dive deep into the latest AI technologies, tools, and methodologies. Perfect for those looking to enhance their technical AI skills and connect with fellow technology professionals. TIME: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST PLACE: Fort Tectoria, 777 Fort Street, Victoria PRICE: Free | DETAILS
Vancouver
February 19 | Public Sector Buyers Expo | A premier networking event bringing together public sector procurement professionals, Indigenous communities, and suppliers, this regional expo connects federal and public procurement professionals with diverse suppliers, local Indigenous nations, and community partners from the Lower Mainland. TIME: 9 AM – 2 PM PST PLACE: SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver PRICE: Free | DETAILS
Edmonton
February 6 | Friendly Friday February Edition | Technology Alberta's signature networking event providing a relaxed, informal atmosphere for tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to connect, share ideas, and build relationships within Alberta's technology ecosystem. TIME: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST PLACE: Advanced Technology Centre, 9650-20 Avenue NW, Suite 123, Edmonton PRICE: Free | DETAILS
Toronto
February 12 | Canada's Productivity Initiative - Toronto Session | A half-day conference examining critical issues affecting Canadian productivity, featuring expert speakers, panel discussions, and policy analysis focused on strategies to enhance economic performance and competitiveness. TIME 8 AM – 12:30 PM EST PLACE: Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, 105 St. George Street, Toronto PRICE: Varies | DETAILS
Ottawa
February 24 | Digital Leadership Day Federal | A focused one-day event exploring digital transformation leadership in the federal government sector. TIME: 8:30 AM – 5 PM PLACE: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa PRICE: Free for government employees | DETAILS
February 24-26 | Government Innovation Week Federal - Innovate to Elevate | Titled “Unlocking the Path to Progressive Governance,” this comprehensive three-day conference is dedicated to advancing innovation across federal government operations. TIME: Varies PLACE: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa PRICE: Free for government employees | DETAILS
Virtual Events
February 18 | Empowering Secure, Seamless, and Citizen-Centric Government Services | An online webinar examining how government agencies can deliver secure, user-friendly digital services that meet citizen expectations while maintaining robust cybersecurity standards. TIME: 12 PM – 1 PM EST PLACE: Virtual PRICE: Free | DETAILS
March 10 | Strengthening Government Resilience Through Smarter Cyber Practices | A virtual educational session focused on enhancing cybersecurity resilience in government organizations through intelligent, proactive security strategies. TIME: 12 PM – 1 PM EST PLACE: Virtual PRICE: Free | DETAILS
WHAT WE’RE READING
Reimagining Government: Achieving the Promise of AI, by Faisal Hoque, Erik Nelson and Thomas H. Davenport
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping every sector, and public service is no exception. This practical playbook offers a refreshing, balanced approach to harnessing AI for smarter, faster government outcomes.
The book delivers clear breakdowns of AI opportunities and challenges specific to government, along with proven frameworks for responsible adoption. Real-world examples from government innovators ground the theory in practice, while strategies for transforming leadership and culture provide actionable next steps.
Lauded for its mindful and balanced implementation approach, Reimagining Government offers a solid foundation drawn from business, technology, and organizational management. Written for policymakers, technologists, and civic leaders alike, it's a timely guide to making AI work for people and systems.
FURTHER READING
Stay on top of vital digital services news and tips by checking out insights from our previous newsletters
BUYING CANADIAN IS NOT ENOUGH: A practical technology roadmap for going from foreign vendor lock-in to harnessing Canadian innovation.
STREAMLINING FEATURE APPROVAL IN GOVERNMENT APPS: The Button secret for streamlining feature approvals for seamless, consistent user experiences across government applications
ESCAPING THE SPREADSHEET NIGHTMARE: A government leader’s guide to making smarter BI decisions.
SUPERCHARGE THE IMPACT OF YOUR DATA INSIGHTS: The uncomfortable truth about how humans actually process information—and what to do about it.
🔥 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.
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