Digital Transformation in the House of Commons of Canada After the Pandemic
About the House of Commons of Canada. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various sectors around the world, including government institutions. The House of Commons in Canada has embraced digital transformation as a means to adapt and continue functioning during these unprecedented times. This essay will delve into the digital transformation journey of the House of Commons and the initiatives it has undertaken to improve its services and operations.
Initial Strategic Plan and Impact of Pandemic
When the pandemic struck, the House of Commons was in the first year of its new strategic plan. The institution's priority during this time was to focus on four main pillars: improving client experience and operational excellence, unifying and streamlining services, empowering and engaging the workforce, and modernizing physical workspaces.
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions that had already been included in the strategic plan but had previously faced resistance. It demonstrated the viability of new working models, changed the way people think about work, and highlighted the importance of collaboration and engagement with citizens.
Transformation in Service Delivery
One of the most significant transformations the House of Commons has undergone is in the way it serves its members. Traditionally, services were provided through a siloed approach, where each service area focused on its performance but lacked a collective understanding of how services were appreciated and consumed by members and their staff. To address this issue, the institution has invested significant effort over the past three years to anticipate and meet the needs of its members.
Key Initiatives
The House of Commons has recognized the importance of agility in service delivery, as well as the need to make services seamless and easily consumable. Several concrete initiatives have been implemented to achieve these goals, including:
Improving client experience and operational excellence
Unifying and streamlining services
Empowering and engaging the workforce
Outcomes of Digital Transformation
These initiatives have led to several positive outcomes, such as more accessible and transparent expenditure information for citizens and a fully digitalized member office that allows members to work from anywhere. Additionally, the House of Commons has invested in an integrated employee management service experience to assist members in managing their staff more efficiently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the House of Commons in Canada has demonstrated that digital transformation can not only help institutions adapt to unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic but also lead to lasting improvements in service delivery, operational efficiency, and overall institutional effectiveness. By focusing on its four main pillars and embracing digital solutions, the House of Commons has successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic and emerged as a more agile, connected, and responsive institution.