Technology in Government Week, commonly referred to as G-TEC, is attended by public servants from all provinces and territories, federal departments and most large municipal governments. The event also attracts private sector companies interested in doing business with governments, as well as delegates from 80 countries outside Canada.

Based in part upon the province's strong showing at last year's event, where PEI won gold and bronze in the provincial category, Prince Edward Island was invited to be the showcase province this year. Over 50 Island participants from the private sector and the municipal and provincial governments attended.

Island-based companies, along with their public sector clients, had the opportunity to demonstrate "made in PEI" solutions to the event's 6,000 participants. Nine speakers from Prince Edward Island presented information technology solutions, ranging from health care to taxation, while the event provided an opportunity to promote Prince Edward Island as a tourism destination through a video that was displayed during the event's gala awards dinner.

Many private sector companies and organizations used the opportunity to explore Canada's largest information technology market in Ottawa, including DeltaWare Systems, Baseline Geographic, VisionQuest, Hamlin Alliance, Ken-net, Softworld 2002, and Unisys. Terry Allen of Future Learning Inc. says they were thrilled with the response from G-tech. "This event was a great opportunity for our company. With PEI being the showcase province, it seemed there was added interest in Island companies, and we were able to meet with some key decision makers from which we are now laying the groundwork for potential new partnership opportunities."

Participation in the event was coordinated by the province's Chief Information Officer, Bill Drost. "We see this as a key learning event for our information technology work force in government. Government employees will build on this experience to better serve Islanders through the use of technology," said Drost.

G-TEC has grown to the point that conference organizers are contemplating regional events in addition to Ottawa, which Drost says offers some great opportunities for the province. "We have had some high level discussions with the conference organizers about bringing a regional event to PEI very soon. While there is more work to be done, it certainly looks positive for PEI should they take a regional approach."

The City of Charlottetown participated in the conference to promote the Smart Community project, Virtual Town square, and other economic initiatives.

"I was very pleased to see how positively the conference participants responded to the Island delegation and their achievements in developing this industry," said Mayor George MacDonald. He added, "I am certainly looking forward to doing whatever we can to bring part of this event to Charlottetown in future years."