Mayor Gillingham Appoints Councillor Allard as Technology and Innovation Liaison

In a step toward his goal of modernizing the way Winnipeg serves its residents, Mayor Scott Gillingham has appointed Councillor Matt Allard (St. Boniface) as City Council's first Technology and Innovation Liaison.

This new role will help drive efforts to incorporate cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to make city services faster, more efficient, and more accessible for all Winnipeggers.

"Adopting innovative technology isn't just about staying ahead, it's about delivering better service to our residents," said Mayor Gillingham. "Councillor Allard's leadership will help challenge the City to use modern tools to improve customer service, streamline processes, and make interacting with City Hall easier and more efficient."

In this role, Councillor Allard will:

• Act as a liaison between City Council and key stakeholders in Winnipeg's thriving innovation sector.
• Collaborate with the Mayor's Office, City Council Committees, and the Public Service to drive better policy and procurement practices.
• Oversee the rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) pilot projects in 2024-2025.
• Explore challenge-based procurement opportunities by 2025.
• Identify and address critical digital gaps in City policies to ensure the effective deployment of new technologies.

"I'm honoured to take on the role of Technology and Innovation Liaison," said Councillor Allard. "We have an incredible opportunity to leverage new technologies like AI to improve how our city operates and serves its residents."

Allard's appointment builds on the City's recent announcement of six pilot projects using AI to enhance service. These initiatives include automating 311 inquiries, streamlining non-emergency police calls, monitoring road conditions through vehicle cameras, and processing invoices more efficiently. The projects are currently in various planning stages, with each undergoing evaluation to ensure the best outcomes for residents.

To kick off his new role, Councillor Allard will represent the City at today's launch event for the Manitoba Association of AI Professionals (MAAIP), a key moment in the province's growing AI industry.

Disclosure:

In line with the City's forward-thinking approach, this news release was drafted by artificial intelligence.

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