Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Over 250 people gathered at the Université du Québec en Outaouais on April 26 for the first-ever Outaouais Digital Summit.

“In a field as vast as digital technology, we have unlimited potential to explore new horizons, whether in the field of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, or in the digitalization of Quebec society and Canada as a whole,” said Université du Québec en Outaouais rector Murielle Laberge in her welcome address.

As a leader in high-level education, Laberge said the Université du Québec en Outaouais was at the forefront of the digital shift.

“Yesterday’s students have become effective and renowned decision-makers. Today’s students are their successors and their mastery of the digital world will guarantee the health and prosperity of our region and even our country,” said Laberge.

The Université du Québec en Outaouais initiative was a result of support from the Ville de Gatineau, Cégep de l’Outaouais, Ministry of Culture and Communications of Quebec, Portage Cybertech, Centre de la sécurité des télécommunications du Canada and fifteen partners from the Outaouais entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The first summit featured around 10 speakers and panelists touching on subjects like cybersecurity, data intelligence, business technology, and their application to different areas such as engineering, health, environment, and construction.

Among the presenters was Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications and responsible for the Outaouais region, who spoke to the importance of Quebec’s “cultural sovereignty.”

“We need to present and discover French-speaking content,” said Lacombe.

The Quebec Culture Minister formed an advisory committee on the matter back in 2023. The committee came back in January with 32 recommendations to promote French cultural content online.

While the Minister welcomed the efforts by the federal government, Lacombe insisted action must be taken. “I think these are good bills, but we need to have Quebec perspectives on this issue. It is important for Quebec to equip itself with its own tools. This is why I set up a committee of experts on cultural sovereignty.”

With the success of the first summit, the second edition was already in the works for next year.

Photo caption: Attendees gathered at the Alexandre-Taché pavilion at the Université du Québec en Outaouais for the first Outaouais Digital Summit on April 26.

Photo credit: Université du Québec en Outaouais Facebook