Building Digital Skills Summary

The rapid development and adoption of digital technologies is changing the way we learn, work and communicate. Advances in technology have the ability to create new opportunities, but can also lead to a potential digital divide between those with access to technology, and those without.

Driving Canada's digital economy will be a strong information and communication technology (ICT) sector. While the health of the ICT sector is linked to skilled workers, digital skills are in demand by employers right across the labour market. Canadian firms have recognized that their ability to remain globally competitive is linked to investments in ICT applications, which is in turn is dependent on an appropriately skilled workforce.

As Canada builds towards a world–class digital economy, it is essential that all Canadians have the digital skills required to connect in today's work and function in the labour market of today and tomorrow.

To further inform the policy directions of the Government of Canada in improving the quantity, quality, and efficiency of the workforce in the area of digital skills, we are seeking your feedback on the following questions.

Discussion Questions

  • What do you see as the most critical challenges in skills development for a digital economy?
  • What is the best way to address these challenges?
  • What can we do to ensure that labour market entrants have digital skills?
  • What is the best way to ensure the current workforce gets the continuous upskilling required to remain competitive in the digital economy? Are different tactics required for small and medium–sized enterprises versus large enterprises?
  • How will the digital economy impact the learning system in Canada? How we teach? How we learn?
  • What strategies could be employed to address the digital divide?
The public consultation period ended on July 13 2010, at which time this website was closed to additional comments and submissions. News and updates on progress towards Canada’s first digital economy strategy will be posted in our Newsroom, and in other prominent locations on the site, as they become available.

Between May 10 and July 13, more than 2010 Canadian individuals and organizations registered to share their ideas and submissions. You can read their contributions — and the comments from other users — in the Submissions Area and the Idea Forum.