Robert G. Dowler, MSc, MCIP, RPP, PLE
Corporate Chief Strategist, OCCIO
Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

Rob is the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for: developing government-wide IT strategies as well as plans for e-government. Rob’s division is also responsible for reviewing all government I&IT submissions and for making available a variety of common IT components and applications to the OPS and promoting a range of I&IT excellence initiatives including Showcase Ontario – Canada’s largest public sector I&IT training conference.

Rob is a member of the Board of Directors of the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and a past corporate director on various boards including: the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, the Electrical Safety Authority and Tarion Warranty Corporation.

Prior to joining MGS, Rob was an ADM and Director at the former Ministry of Consumer & Business Services and a Senior Manager at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Housing. Before he joined the Ontario Public Service, Rob was an Urban Planner with the Corporation of the City of Ottawa. He also worked in the private sector as a Management Consultant.

Rob has won various awards including: the Amethyst Award for outstanding achievement; the IPAC Award for Innovative Management; the US National Consumer Agency Achievement Award; two US Achievement in Consumer Education Awards; the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s Recognition Award; and the Canadian Institute of Planners National Award for Planning Excellence.

Rob is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, a Registered Professional Planner and a Professional Land Economist. He holds a Masters of Science degree from the University of Toronto, and an Honours B.A. from Queen’s University. More recently, Rob has successfully completed the Executive Program at York University and a Strategic Management Program at Harvard University.

Rob is married with two children. He is a keen triathlete, canoeist and runner who has successfully competed in the Boston marathon and the Canadian Half Ironman. In his spare time, Rob coaches junior hockey and helps out with various charities.