Is slow government a bug or a feature?

Unpacking ‘Slow Government’: Minister Brenda Bailey on Innovation, AI, and BC’s Tech Future

During Web Summit Vancouver 2026, Senior Reporter Penny Daflos introduced Minister Brenda Bailey, who shared her unique journey from two decades in the tech sector to six years in government. Minister Bailey, co-founder of Deep Fried Entertainment and Silicon Sisters Interactive, the first women-owned video game studio, explained that while red tape is a bug, government’s deliberate slowness is a feature. Unlike tech’s iterative approach, government initiatives often have one unforgiving chance to be delivered fully baked, often without prior public testing.

Despite this caution, government can act swiftly in critical areas. British Columbia pioneered online harms legislation, compelling platforms to remove non-consensual content within 48 hours, using a “salami strategy” for focused progress. Regarding Artificial Intelligence, Minister Bailey outlined a “people first” approach for guardrails, alongside supporting BC’s 600-700 AI companies and leveraging AI to reduce government costs, particularly in healthcare, which consumes 41% of the budget.

Government’s inherent risk aversion often favors large, established companies for procurement over local tech solutions. To counter this, British Columbia established the Integrated Marketplace Initiative (IMI), a crown corporation that de-risks investments in local startups by facilitating partnerships with large tech buyers. Historically, BC has struggled to retain successful tech companies, but new initiatives like the $500 million NBC strategic investment fund and Innovate BC’s IP retention efforts aim to foster local growth and keep intellectual property within the province.

Hosting Web Summit Vancouver 2026 is crucial for creating an environment where BC companies can scale and attract investment from the 800+ investors present. Beyond its renowned lifestyle, British Columbia boasts world-class universities, exceptional talent, and strong research capabilities, forming a robust foundation for its tech ecosystem, and attracting global attention to its innovative landscape.

Minister Bailey noted that declining engineering costs due to AI could alter fundraising dynamics, potentially easing market entry for startups. BC is also witnessing significant growth in specialized tech sectors, such as mining technology and firefighting technology, where local innovation is developed, deployed, and sold internationally, showcasing unique advantages and economic diversification within the province.

For companies seeking government support beyond direct funding, Minister Bailey advised leveraging resources like Web Summit and organizations such as Innovate BC for training and tools, including IP guidance. NBC also offers opportunities for scaling through direct investments or by investing in VCs that support the ecosystem, particularly for larger, strategic plays, fostering a comprehensive support network for BC’s tech sector.