Martin Bernier, MBA

CIO | uOttawa | Board Member | Ally of the Year 2024

Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

About

Martin is a dedicated advocate for innovation and efficiency through technology and people. His experience in information technology spans more than 30 years in both public and private sectors across North America and Europe, including 20+ years as a Chief Information Officer or equivalent. He has held leadership positions at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, National Capital Commission, and Brookfield Renewable Partners. Martin has also held executive advisory positions in the public health sector. His experiences have helped him develop a unique perspective on technology, and his ability to align IT strategies with strategic objectives, enhance data analytics capabilities, and foster an innovation culture. Martin currently chairs the uOttawa Information Governance initiative (UIGC). This committee formalizes input from the University community and allows for collaborative decision-making on IT priorities and strategies. He also holds board and committee memberships with the Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers (CUCCIO) and the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN). He is a member of the Association of Public Sector Information Professionals (DPI) Informatics Advisory Council, and the Canadian Persistent Identifier Advisory Committee (CPIDAC). He is a founding male ally for uOttawa Women in Innovation and Better and Stronger Allies Together, which mentors women, men, and underrepresented minorities, and Ally of the Year award by Women in Cloud in 2024. Martin holds a Master of Business Administration in IT management from Université Laval, a bachelor’s in computer science from the Université du Québec à Montréal. He is certified in corporate governance (ASC, Collège des administrateurs de sociétés), and public sector leadership and governance.

Experience

  • Chief Information Officer at University of Ottawa
    Apr 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 3 mos

    The Chief Information Officer leads digital transformation and information security to advance uOttawa’s vision of building the University of Tomorrow. Martin leads Information Technology in strategic initiatives that harness technology to support current academic and research priorities, while ensuring organizational efficiency. He is known as a collaborative leader that engages with the uOttawa community to build relationships and deliver impactful solutions across the two campuses.

  • Chief Information Officer at Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada | Canadian Institutes of Health Research
    May 2015 - Apr 2018 · 3 yrs

    Led all aspects of IT/IM & Security Services

  • CIO & Director, Information Technologies and Geomatics Services at National Capital Commission
    Apr 2011 - May 2015 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    Led all aspects of IT/IM & Geomatic Services

  • Consultant & Owner at BIS Advisor
    Jan 2009 - Apr 2011 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Strategic IT Advisor : IT optimization & management framework (resources & technologies), governance, security, strategic planning, project management, coaching, etc. •Government of Quebec - Health and Social Services

  • Vice-president IT / Managing Director IT at Brookfield Power
    Apr 2002 - Jan 2009 · 6 yrs 10 mos

    Led all aspects of IT •Corporate IT strategy •Led all aspects of IT from staff to systems and infrastructure, providing leadership and direction •Led IT due diligence efforts and merged several acquired company