The Government AI Playbook That's Saving $2M a Week

Government AI projects are often criticized for moving slowly, but Alberta is proving otherwise.In this episode, we sit down with Janak Alford, Deputy Minister of Technology and Innovation for the Government of Alberta, to understand how Alberta is using AI to save $2 million every week while accelerating digital service delivery, improving compliance, and raising software quality standards.Janak shares why governments and enterprises should stop waiting for the "perfect" AI solution and start building internal AI capabilities. From AI factories and builder culture to open-source tools, sovereign AI, cybersecurity, and AI-powered software development, this conversation offers a practical blueprint for organizations looking to modernize with AI and deliver measurable results.If you're tired of AI hype and want to see what real implementation looks like, don't miss this one.Follow and like this video for weekly conversations on AI, technology, digital transformation, and the future of work and technology.In this episode:00:00 Intro01:08 Alberta's mission to transform government with AI04:28 Why every government faces the same AI challenge07:53 About Info-Tech08:33 The vision for AI-driven government10:33 AI Academy: Training 30,000 public servants12:12 Building thousands of AI applications15:25 The future of AI agents in government services17:03 Beyond AI tools: Building an AI strategy18:07 AI factories, compliance & software development23:53 Overcoming bureaucracy with builder culture30:35 Saving $2 million every week with AI32:19 The velocity papers explained37:02 AI factory, AI garage & government modernization42:25 Open-Source AI tools changing government48:18 Where organizations should start with AI54:34 The biggest AI myths leaders believe55:16 Why Copilot isn't your AI strategy57:44 Why subject matter experts drive AI success01:02:19 Making AI safe without slowing innovation01:08:28 Sovereign AI and Canada's AI future01:15:08 Building Canada's AI ecosystem01:16:20 Final thoughtsConnect with Janak:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janak-alford/X: https://x.com/JanakAlfordOur links:Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG