Trustworthy AI, Cyber Resilience, and a Smarter Government

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant frontier it is actively reshaping how governments serve citizens, how businesses compete, and how our profession delivers value. In Ontario, this transformation is especially visible as the provincial government modernizes service delivery while emphasizing transparency, accountability, and public trust.

For this special summer issue on AI and technology, Publisher Zubair Choudhry and Editor Mike Saniga sat down with the Hon. Stephen Crawford, MPP, Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. His portfolio sits at the intersection of issues central to our readers: responsible AI adoption, cybersecurity, procurement integrity, red tape reduction, and the digital services relied on by accountants and their clients.

The conversation delivered a clear message: Ontario views accounting professionals not as observers of digital change, but as essential partners. As advisors on governance, risk, and technology, accountants will help ensure innovation is matched with accountability. We trust you will find the Minister’s insights both encouraging and instructive.

On Responsible AI Adoption

Mike Saniga: Ontario is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence across government operations. What is your long-term vision for responsible AI adoption, and how can Ontario become a leader in trustworthy AI while protecting privacy and public confidence?

Minister Crawford: Ontario is embracing the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents, but we’re doing so responsibly. Our focus is on building public trust by ensuring AI is used transparently, accountably, and in a way that serves the people of Ontario. That’s why we’re implementing Ontario’s Trustworthy AI Framework, built on a simple principle: no AI in secret. Ontarians should understand how AI is being used, what the risks are, and what safeguards are in place.

The framework is supported by a range of policies and guidance, including the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act (EDSTA), 2024, the Responsible Use of AI Directive, and internal guidance for the Ontario Public Service on the use of generative AI. The EDSTA also lays the foundation for potential future regulation of AI within select public sector organizations.

As this technology evolves, we’ll continue strengthening our skills, policies, and oversight so we can improve services while protecting privacy and maintaining public confidence.

On Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience

Mike Saniga: Cybersecurity has become one of the most significant risks facing both the public and private sectors. What practical steps is Ontario taking to strengthen cyber resilience, and what should accounting firms handling sensitive financial data anticipate?

Minister Crawford: Cyber security remains one of our highest priorities. Every day, government systems are facing increasingly sophisticated threats, and that’s why we’re continuously strengthening our cyber security practices, investing in modern detection and response tools, and embedding security by design into our digital services. We’re also working closely with municipalities and broader public-sector partners to improve cyber resilience across Ontario through training, guidance, and information sharing.

For accounting firms handling sensitive financial data, the reality is that cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, particularly as bad actors begin using AI to improve their tactics. Organizations should focus on building a strong culture of cyber awareness through employee training, phishing simulations, role-based security education, and ongoing vigilance. Cyber security is no longer just an IT issue it’s a business issue.

On Procurement Transparency and Opportunities for SMEs

Zubair Choudhry: Public procurement represents billions of dollars in annual spending. How is your ministry improving transparency, efficiency, and fairness, particularly for SMEs seeking to participate in government contracts?

Minister Crawford: Ontario’s procurement system is built on transparency, fairness, efficiency, and value for money. We’re making procurement opportunities more accessible by publicly posting opportunities, clearly outlining evaluation criteria, and ensuring suppliers have access to debriefings and formal dispute processes. Evaluation teams are also required to complete conflict-of-interest declarations to help ensure decisions are fair, open, and accountable.

Supply Ontario is supporting this work by centralizing and modernizing purchasing across more than 6,000 public sector organizations that collectively procure approximately $30 billion in goods and services each year. To further support small and medium-sized businesses, our Building Ontario Businesses Initiative (BOBI) is reducing barriers to participation by requiring public-sector buyers to consider Ontario and Canadian businesses in procurement evaluations where appropriate. That helps local companies including those in the technology and manufacturing sectors compete for contracts, grow their operations, and create jobs in communities across the province.

On Reducing Red Tape

Zubair Choudhry: Many small and medium-sized businesses continue to face administrative and regulatory burdens. What additional initiatives is your ministry considering to simplify government interactions and make Ontario more competitive?

Minister Crawford: Reducing red tape and making government easier to work with remains a key priority. We regularly engage with business owners, industry stakeholders, and professional partners to understand where barriers exist and how services can be improved. One example is the Ontario Business Registry Partner Portal, which allows accounting firms and legal professionals to file directly on behalf of their clients saving time, reducing costs, and making it easier to do business in Ontario.

Ontario has become a national leader in red tape reduction. Through 16 Red Tape Reduction Packages, we’ve saved businesses and families nearly $1.3 billion and 1.8 million hours in administrative burden. Our work has earned Ontario the highest red tape reduction grade in our history from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

On the Ontario Business Registry

Zubair Choudhry: The OBR has modernized corporate filings online. What improvements have you seen since launch, what’s next, and is your ministry exploring AI to further simplify registration and service delivery?

Minister Crawford: Since launching the Ontario Business Registry, we’ve made it faster and easier for businesses to interact with the government. What once required paper forms and weeks of processing can now often be completed online in minutes. Businesses can access more than 90 services online, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Looking ahead, our focus is on further simplifying and integrating services so that interacting with the government becomes even more seamless.

On Modernizing ServiceOntario and Digital Services

Zubair Choudhry: Ontario continues to modernize ServiceOntario and other digital services. What major improvements can businesses and professionals expect over the next few years?

Minister Crawford: Our goal is to make government services more convenient, efficient, and accessible for businesses and professionals. A great example is the modernization of Ontario’s land registration system through digital certification. Transactions that once took an average of 15 days can now be processed in seconds while maintaining the same legislative and quality standards. As of July 2026, digital certification supports approximately 60 per cent of Ontario’s 1.8 million annual land registration transactions, improving service for businesses, legal professionals, financial institutions, and property owners.

These are the kinds of improvements businesses can expect as we continue modernizing ServiceOntario and other digital services. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to streamline service delivery, improve the customer experience, and make it easier for Ontarians and businesses to access the services they need.

On Interoperability Between Ministries

Zubair Choudhry: Interoperability between ministries remains a challenge for businesses interacting with multiple government systems. What progress is being made toward integration, and how will this reduce administrative burden?

Minister Crawford: Businesses shouldn’t have to navigate multiple systems to access government services. That’s why we’re focused on creating more integrated, user-centred experiences that reduce duplication and administrative burden. The Ontario Business Account provides single-window access to multiple government services, allowing businesses to review transactions, file annual returns, and complete applications through one secure account.

We’re also modernizing permitting through a centralized digital system that makes approvals faster and more transparent. Since the Building a More Competitive Economy Act was introduced in fall 2025, more than 150 business-facing permits have been completed or are currently under review, and we’re on track to eliminate or streamline at least 35 per cent of all business-facing permits by the end of 2028. Ultimately, we’re making it easier for businesses to interact with the government so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time growing and investing.

On Balancing Efficiency with Accountability

Mike Saniga: Service delivery must balance efficiency with accountability. How do you ensure modernization efforts don’t compromise oversight, auditability, or financial controls?

Minister Crawford: Modernization and accountability go hand in hand. As we adopt new digital technologies, data tools, and artificial intelligence, we’re strengthening, not weakening, oversight. We are embedding safeguards directly into our systems through strong governance, monitoring, risk management, and appropriate human oversight. Our objective is to deliver better services while maintaining the transparency, accountability, and financial stewardship that Ontarians expect from their government.

On the Role of the Accounting Profession

Zubair Choudhry: Accountants are increasingly trusted advisors on governance, risk, and digital transformation. What role should the profession play in supporting Ontario’s digital economy and responsible AI adoption?

Minister Crawford: Accountants have an increasingly important role to play in Ontario’s digital economy. As trusted advisors, they help organizations manage risk, strengthen governance, improve transparency, and build public confidence as new technologies, including AI, are adopted. Their expertise will be critical in ensuring innovation is paired with accountability and responsible decision-making.

Looking Ahead

Zubair Choudhry: What do you see as the greatest challenge facing your ministry over the next three to five years, and what message would you like to share with Ontario’s accountants and business leaders about the province’s economic future?

Minister Crawford: Over the next several years, one of our biggest challenges will be sustaining innovation while maintaining economic competitiveness and fiscal responsibility in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Success will require us to remain agile, invest in technology and talent, strengthen partnerships, and continue modernizing the services Ontarians depend on.

My message to Ontario’s accountants and business leaders is simple: your expertise will play a vital role in helping businesses navigate change, adopt new technologies, and remain competitive. By working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy and ensure Ontario remains one of the best places in the world to live, work, and invest.

Professional Accountant magazine thanks the Hon. Stephen Crawford, MPP, and his office for their time and candour.