As the Government of Canada rolls out its first AI strategy for the public service, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is implementing a comprehensive AI governance framework to ensure responsible, ethical AI adoption across its operations.

In this session, we will share DFO’s journey in AI governance, with a focus on concrete, actionable strategies for building accountability, transparency, and trust. Attendees will learn how DFO’s AI maturity assessment—evaluating five key dimensions: AI Governance, Data Management, People and AI Skills, Processes, and Technology—has directly informed the development of DFO’s AI roadmap, prioritizing high-impact use cases and guiding ethical deployment.

Key takeaways include:

• Proven methods for establishing clear roles and responsibilities to ensure AI accountability.
• How DFO uses its AI maturity assessment to drive strategic decision-making and operational readiness.
• Real-world examples of AI use cases in fisheries management, marine conservation, and public service delivery, demonstrating tangible results.
• Insights on scaling AI adoption responsibly, including lessons learned and success metrics.

This session is tailored for management, data stewards, analysts, and enterprise architects looking for actionable guidance on building or enhancing AI governance frameworks. Discover how DFO’s approach can be adapted to accelerate AI adoption, mitigate risks, and maximize value in your own organization.

Speaker: Riham Elhabyan

Riham Elhabyan is a seasoned professional in the fields of data management and Artificial Intelligence. Currently serving as the Senior Data Policy and AI Advisor at the Government of Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Riham has excelled in developing and implementing strategic AI plans, fostering AI adoption across the department, and ensuring ethical and responsible AI usage. She possesses significant experience in identifying, leading, and collaborating with various business areas within DFO to pilot AI solutions.