=== We are at capacity and are unable to take any more names for the wait list! ===

There is growing recognition around the world that an open government, enabled by innovative technologies in digital media and open data as well as by the active participation of empowered and engaged citizens, results in a stronger government and, ultimately, a stronger democracy.

There are untold numbers of changemakers (or really, gov-makers) within our municipal, provincial and federal public service who work to make government more accountable, responsive and transparent. In a word, more open to the people the public service exists to serve.

Countless other like-minded peers in the public service, as well as colleagues in the private and non-profit sectors, share this passion and drive for open government.

#GovMaker Day is dedicated to bringing together this diverse and multi-disciplinary group of people to learn more about the what, why and how of open government.

Attendees will hear from public servants about lessons learned (including successes, obstacles and opportunities) from a wide range of recent or current open government initiatives. The day will culminate in a facilitated workshop in which participants will collaborate with public servants across different jurisdictions and stakeholders from academia, business and civil society to design and co-create the open government of the future.

This event is organized and hosted by MaRS Discovery District, in partnership with the City of Toronto, City of Guelph and the Government of Ontario.

MaRS is grateful for the support and assistance from the MaRS Solutions Lab, MaRS Data Catalyst, the Canadian Council on Social Development, and Social Innovation Generation.

Who should attend:

• Public servants from all jurisdictions and all levels of government
• Stakeholders from the private sector, academia or civil society who are involved with open government initiatives (for example, open data, civic engagement, access to information, public policy research, participatory budgeting, journalism and so on.)

All registrants will receive a copy of Solution Revolution, co-authored by opening keynote Paul Macmillan.

Agenda and speakers: (Joeri van den Steenhoven, Director of the MaRS Solutions Lab, will be moderating this event)

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration and breakfast

9:00 ­- 9:05 a.m.

Welcome

Ann Pappert
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Guelph

9:05 - 9:55 a.m.

Opening keynotes

Paul Macmillan
Global Public Sector Leader, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
Co-author of Solution Revolution

Maryantonett Flumian
President, Institute on Governance
Former Deputy Minister, Service Canada

9:55 - 10:15 a.m. Ulli Watkiss
City Clerk, City of Toronto 10:15 - 10:35 a.m.

Lightning talks

Peter Macleod
Principal
MASS LBP

Nick Schonning
Information Technology Officer
Citizenship & Immigration Canada

Melissa Tullio
Senior Advisor, Centre for Innovation and Workplace Culture
Ministry of Government Services

Gabe Sawhney
Director
Urban+Digital

10:35 - 11:05 a.m. Networking break 11:05 - 11:25 a.m.

Lightning talks

Jeffrey Izzo
Chief of Political and Economic Affairs
U.S. Consulate General Toronto, U.S. Department of State

Ashley Casovan
Senior Advisor, Open Government Secretariat
CIO Branch, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Sasha Sud
Energy Data Project Manager
MaRS Data Catalyst

Giulio Cescato
Planner, Toronto and East York District
City Planning, City of Toronto

11:25 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Facilitated workshop: Ideation practice 12:05 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 - 1:25 p.m.

The Hon. John Milloy
Minister of Government Services, Government of Ontario

Ron McKerlie
Deputy Minister, Open Government
Ministry of Government Services, Government of Ontario

1:25 - 2:45 p.m. Facilitated workshop: Idea development and pitch 2:45 - 3:05 p.m. Ann Pappert
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Guelph 3:05 - 3:15 p.m.

Closing remarks

Euan Robertson
President and Chief Operating Officer, MaRS Discovery District

3:15 p.m. Networking reception

For out-of-town attendees:

MaRS is within walking distance of most hotels in downtown Toronto, and is well-served by public transit (with direct connections to GO Transit and VIA Rail at Union Station). Parking is also available on-site. Click here for details and directions, or for information on accommodations with preferred rates.