Peter Merritt

Senior Application Developer with more than 25 years of experience designing, enhancing, and modernizing mission-critical business applications within complex environments. Extensive experience extending the life of legacy business systems while introducing modern development practices that improve maintainability, reliability, performance, and long-term sustainability. Proven ability to translate business requirements into secure, database-driven business solutions using SQL Server, Oracle, Python, Django, ColdFusion, JavaScript, and modern web technologies.

Experienced throughout the full software development lifecycle, including business analysis, solution design, database development, application modernization, accessibility compliance, system integration, testing, deployment, and long-term operational support. Selected for repeated contract engagements across multiple Government of Canada departments, reflecting a consistent record of delivering reliable technical solutions, collaborating effectively with stakeholders, and successfully supporting systems that serve thousands of users. Recognized for quickly understanding complex legacy systems, collaborating effectively with business stakeholders, and delivering practical, maintainable solutions with minimal supervision.

Continuing professional development in AI-assisted software development, Laravel, Microsoft Power BI, and cloud technologies.

Web Application Developer (ColdFusion / Oracle) at Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2026-02 – 2026-05)

Supported the development and maintenance of enterprise ColdFusion web applications. Designed and created Oracle database tables to support application enhancements and new functionality.

Developed

Oracle SQL scripts to import, transform, and migrate data from Microsoft Excel spreadsheets into relational database tables. Validated, cleansed, and verified data accuracy to ensure successful migration and maintain data integrity. Collaborated with business stakeholders to understand data structures, mapping requirements, and migration objectives. Performed database testing, troubleshooting, and technical documentation in support of application deployment.

Senior Web Application Developer / Enterprise Application Developer at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) (2022-08 – 2026-01)

Led the modernization and enhancement of enterprise applications supporting critical Government of Canada business operations. Worked throughout the application lifecycle to improve maintainability, accessibility, reporting capabilities, database performance, and long-term sustainability while helping prepare legacy systems for future modernization initiatives.

• Modernized applications supporting national operational programs, improving maintainability, reducing technical debt, and preparing systems for future cloud migration.
• Designed and optimized complex SQL Server stored procedures, functions, and analytical queries supporting business intelligence and operational reporting.
• Partnered with business stakeholders to translate operational requirements into scalable technical solutions.
• Enhanced application accessibility through WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA compliance improvements.
• Reduced query execution time for reporting workloads through SQL optimization.
• Refactored legacy modules to reduce technical debt and simplify future enhancements of enterprise applications used by thousands of internal and external users.
• Supported migration of enterprise applications from on-premises infrastructure toward cloud-hosted environments.
• Performed data analysis, data validation, troubleshooting, testing, and production support.
• Maintained bilingual applications supporting Government of Canada standards.

Senior Web Application Developer at Natural Resources Canada NRCAN (2017-07 – 2022-06)

Supported the ongoing modernization of mission-critical regulatory and public-facing enterprise applications serving departments and Canadians nationwide. Worked closely with technical teams and business stakeholders to improve application reliability, performance, maintainability, and reporting capabilities.

• Enhanced applications supporting national licensing and regulatory programs.
• Modernized legacy applications while minimizing operational disruption.
• Optimized Oracle and SQL Server database performance through application and SQL improvements.
• Gathered and analyzed business requirements before implementing technical solutions.
• Developed reporting solutions supporting operational decision-making.
• Maintained bilingual, accessible applications compliant with Government of Canada standards.
• Participated in testing, deployment, production support, and continuous application improvement.

Programmer Analyst / Enterprise Application Developer at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) (2006-01 – 2017-08)

Contributed to the long-term modernization and enhancement of numerous web applications supporting national agricultural programs. Designed database-driven solutions, improved business workflows, and developed secure, bilingual applications used across multiple Government of Canada initiatives.

• Supported modernization initiatives across numerous web and database applications including AIMIS, ACAAF, MUPPS, FFN, PSRMP, and CFBAS.
• Designed Oracle database structures and developed PL/SQL conversion utilities supporting application evolution and data migration.
• Improved business processes through application enhancements and workflow automation.
• Developed secure integrations with Government authentication platforms including Secure Channel, ESAS, and ePass.
• Produced complex SQL solutions supporting reporting, business analysis, and operational decision-making.
• Supported accessibility initiatives through implementation of CLF and WCAG standards.
• Participated throughout the software development lifecycle including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and production support.

Programmer Analyst / Enterprise Application Developer at Public Works and Government Services Canada

Enhanced the national SELECT procurement platform through application modernization, accessibility improvements, and architectural enhancements that increased maintainability, usability, and long-term sustainability.

Web Applications Developer / Internet Services Manager at Tele-Education - Department of Education - Government of New Brunswick (2000-04 – 2005-05)

Designed and developed enterprise bilingual web applications and Oracle database solutions supporting provincial, national, and international e-learning initiatives, including projects funded through the World Bank. Contributed to one of Canada's early online learning repository initiatives by integrating XML metadata standards and scalable enterprise database architecture.