AI Ethics and Policy for the Public Sector

Artificial intelligence is evolving at a rapid pace, reshaping how public servants work, communicate, and make decisions. But with new opportunities come new challenges—how should government employees navigate AI responsibly? What does it mean for their ethical responsibilities as public servants?

This half-day session, led by Jen Schellinck and Ryan Androsoff will provide public servants with a clear, practical understanding of AI. The session is divided into two key themes:

• Latest AI Trends – What is happening in AI and what does it mean for public servants? We will cover the most important developments in Generative AI and how governments are responding with emerging guidance for employees, based on research from the Institute on Governance.
• The Ethics of AI – What are the ethical considerations that public servants should have when using AI as part of their work? We will explore emerging ethical frameworks for using AI in government both in Canada and globally, and provide opportunities for personal reflection on what responsible use of AI means on a practical level for public servants.

This session is designed for public servants at all levels—whether you are just starting to explore AI or already experimenting with it in your work. Walk away with insights you can use immediately to navigate the risks, harness the opportunities, and work smarter with AI.

Duration

• 3 hours, including brief intervals to ensure continuous engagement and learning absorption.

Special Offers

Take advantage of these exclusive discounts available when registering for IOG courses:

1. Group Course Discount: Register 3 or more colleagues together for the same course and receive 10% off your total registration fee.  
   Learning together builds team capacity—and helps you save on training costs.
2. Individual Bundle Discount: Register as an individual for 3 or more courses at the same time and save 10% on your total registration fee.
   Advance your professional development while maximizing value.

Jen Schellinck is the principal of Sysabee and an adjunct professor at Carleton’s Institute of Cognitive Science. She founded Sysabee in 2012 with the goal of taking analysis techniques from machine learning and systems modeling and making these available to organizations who are seeking to gain the benefits of technology supported analysis and decision making. For each project, she draws from a pool of expert consultants to create a team customized to the specific needs of the project. She is also the founding member of the Data Science Experts Group, an association of data professionals that build flexible, customized solutions for data-driven companies and organizations. She remains an active participant in academic research via Carleton’s Cognitive Modeling Lab.

Ryan Androsoff is the Vice-President of Learning and Leadership at the Institute on Governance (IOG), where he leads IOG’s professional development practice, including leadership programs, day courses, and custom learning experiences. Ryan has worked with IOG as an Associate since 2018, providing advisory services and spearheading the renowned Digital Executive Leadership Program.

With over 25 years of experience working with governments and international organizations in Canada and globally, Ryan is a recognized expert in digital government and public sector modernization. Before joining IOG full-time, he founded Think Digital, a consultancy focused on helping public sector organizations navigate digital disruption. He is also the host of the Let’s Think Digital podcast, which explores how technology is transforming government. As a dynamic and sought-after speaker, Ryan frequently shares insights on innovation, leadership, and the future of public services through presentations, writing, and media commentary.

Previously, Ryan co-founded the Canadian Digital Service (CDS) in 2017, a startup organization within the Canadian Government established to help departments design, prototype, and build better digital services. From 2010 to 2016, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Government of Canada’s Treasury Board Secretariat, where he worked on initiatives to improve digital service delivery capacity across the federal government and led efforts to modernize how public servants communicate and collaborate online. His career has also included roles as a policy advisor to Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation and positions with the OECD in Paris and the World Bank in Washington, DC. Ryan brings extensive experience in public policy, communications, and political strategy, having advised elected officials at all levels of government across Canada.