GC Catalogue Modernizing the Policy on Service and Digital

Modernizing the Policy on Service and Digital

Resetting policy for a digital future

Policy on Service and Digital reset logo

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) at Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) is modernizing the Policy on Service and Digital (PSD). This reset is a whole-of-government shift in how government programs and services are designed and delivered and better aligned to outcomes.
On this page
  • Why Change is Needed
  • About the Policy on Service and Digital
  • Engagement Highlights
  • Additional Reading
  • Latest News
Why Change is Needed Canadians expect government programs and services that are simple, secure, and easy to use. But too often, outdated systems and rules make programs and services harder to deliver and harder for people to access. The reset of the Policy on Service and Digital (PSD) is about changing that. It will:
  • Build stronger digital foundations: Modern digital infrastructure is the backbone of great programs and services. Updating the behind-the-scenes systems will connect departments and make programs and services work seamlessly together.
  • Focus on outcomes, not process: By reducing red tape, the reset will shift attention from rules and procedures to what really matters: delivering real results for people, departments, and society.
  • Lay a foundation for the future: Modernizing our digital policy means Canada maintains control over the data, technology, and talent that power our programs and services — so they remain trustworthy, resilient, and reflect Canadian values.
 The PSD reset is about more than updating policy. It’s about building a government that delivers better programs and services today and is ready for tomorrow.
About the Policy on Service and Digital The Policy on Service and Digital (PSD) is the Government of Canada’s main policy for how programs and services are designed and delivered. It sets expectations for departments on everything from client experience to digital infrastructure, so that programs and services work better for people. The reset is focused on:
  • Simple, secure, easy-to-use programs and services for Canadians
  • Stronger digital foundations so government systems work together
  • Better outcomes by reducing red tape and focusing on results
  • A future-ready policy that protects Canada’s control over its data, technology, and talent
 The PSD reset is more than a policy update. It’s about creating a digital government that works for today and is ready for tomorrow.
Engagement Highlights Since July 2025, we conducted extensive engagement sessions across the Government of Canada – just under 70 sessions with departments and inside TBS, all the provinces and territories, and presented at 11 governance committees. In parallel, we commissioned Goss Gilroy to conduct an independent review. The review included a survey that received 518 responses and a series of focus groups across the Government of Canada. We will be distilling this feedback and results from the review, and begin drafting the renewed policy in December, followed by more consultations on draft language in the new year. While this won’t be the last iteration of the policy, it marks an important shift towards greater focus, simplicity and accountability in how we govern digital across government.
Additional Reading Enterprise Health Approach Service Design & Service Management Government Digital Transformation & Platforms Public Service Theory, Policy & Critique Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Agile
Latest News

Stay tuned

Keep checking the page for updates. For more information, please reach out to: PSDReset-PSNreinitialisee@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

Policy on Service and Digital reset logo with tagline 'Resetting policy for a digital future.'
2025-12-09