As we embark on this new phase, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our obligations and our vision to empower Canadians and Canadian businesses to safely and successfully engage in a digital society.
We are proud of the work we have accomplished in advancing the digital credentials industry. Since our creation, we have propelled Canadian conversations, knowledge and market readiness on digital credentials in general and on specific subjects such as security and cryptography, testing, user-centricity, trust registries, jurisdictional readiness, interoperability, and misinformation and disinformation. In addition, we have developed two key assets:
- A collection of digital credentials courses and readiness assessments designed to accelerate the public, private and non-profit sectors on their digital credentials journeys.
- A visionary Digital Trust Test Bench (DTT), currently in private beta. It is purposefully designed for industry and governments to test the interoperability of their solutions, ensuring they meet both national and international privacy and technological standards.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to secure the future rounds of core funding required to support the growth of DTLab. Since January 2023, we have explored various avenues with the federal government and the province of Quebec to seek a path forward through a special mandate, as well as partnerships with other industry players. This would have given us the flexibility to continue our work in our early-market environment where legislation and industry standards enabling these technologies are still evolving. While project-driven funding, the lifeblood of most non-profits, is available and appreciated, it is ad hoc in nature and poses a significant challenge for organizations. This sporadic funding makes it difficult to sustain progress, invest in essential infrastructure, and respond effectively to emerging technology market needs. Despite our efforts, we could not confirm a stable funding mechanism.
And so, we find ourselves looking to how we best preserve the work we have done while continuing to meet our existing commitments.
This decision to move into our legacy chapter comes at a critical time when digital credentials are being adopted globally at an accelerating rate. In Canada, the rollout of these emerging technologies has faced significant challenges due to varying readiness levels across jurisdictions and misinformation and disinformation about digital identity. These challenges have also negatively impacted our industry’s growth and consequently, Canada’s ability to drive and advance innovation in this crucial space.
Strategically established in the Gatineau-Ottawa region in 2020 with generous support from the Quebec government, the federal government, and Desjardins, as well as many other funding partners, including the City of Gatineau, DTLab is dedicated to giving back to Canadians, Canadian businesses and our digital credential community. Our goal during our legacy chapter is to ensure that our expertise and assets can continue to help the region, Quebec, and Canada innovate by leveraging digital credential technologies, resulting in a more cyber-resilient, privacy-enhancing and inclusive society.
We want to ensure that our collective contribution continues to serve the next phase of growth for our industry. As such, over the next few months, DTLab will engage with stakeholders and partners to identify the optimal path to maximize the community value of our Digital Trust Test Bench (DTT) and explore the best future for our Capacity Building assets that will ensure long-term use and impact.
As DTLab enters this new chapter, it wishes to announce important leadership changes. Patrick Cormier, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be taking a personal sabbatical year effective immediately. The team extends its deepest gratitude for his leadership and dedication. As a co-founder of DTLab, Patrick has been instrumental in guiding us through significant milestones and his contributions have been invaluable. Additionally, we wish to congratulate Cosanna Preston-Idedia, Vice President, Programs and Government Relations who will be on maternity leave starting August 1. Both will explore new opportunities after their time away.
To ensure continuity and to maintain momentum, Michelle Robitaille is appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, and will take on the responsibilities of Vice President, Programs and Government Relations August 1st. Bonnie Yau is appointed Acting Chief Operating Officer, while continuing her duties as Vice President, Technology and Product Innovation.
As we transition to this legacy chapter, our focus remains on sustaining the momentum we’ve built and ensuring that our contributions to the digital credentials industry will continue to benefit Canadians. Collectively, the DTLab team firmly believes this new phase will enable us to mobilize our achievements and assets for lasting community impact.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors, partners, stakeholders, clients and of course the DTLab team members, present and past, for their unwavering support and commitment to advancing digital credentials in Canada.
Michelle Robitaille, MBA
Acting Chief Executive Officer
On behalf of the entire Digital Trust Laboratory of Canada Team