ARCHIVED—Shaping Canada's Strategy for the Digital Economy

What should a digital Canada look like? The Government of Canada is seeking the views of all Canadians on the priorities of, and proposals for, a digital economy strategy. The digital economy is a strong driver of innovation, which is essential to future growth across the entire Canadian economy.

Launched May 10, 2010 and open for your ideas and formal submissions until July 9, 2010, the Government of Canada's consultations are aimed at identifying areas of collaboration, priority issues, and opportunities for realigning federal policies and programs. The feedback we receive from Canadians like you will help to clearly define roles and responsibilities between industry, academia, content developers, technical experts, researchers and government, and build consensus on how to work together to develop a Canadian strategy for the digital economy. To participate, please visit the Digital Economy Consultation website for more information.

Canada was one of the first countries to take advantage of the digital economy, and Canadians were early adopters of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). Canada was also the first to connect schools and libraries to the Internet and led the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries in the deployment and uptake of broadband. And Canada was one of the first countries to implement policies and programs to enable the creation of digital media and content. Other countries have since followed Canada's lead, and some have even surpassed us in a number of areas.

Canada now has to consider how it will regain its advantage. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, said that all Canadians have a role in shaping Canada’s digital future, that it is a personal priority for him, and that “Canada can, should and will be a leader in the global digital economy. Nothing prevents us from being the best place in which to invest, grow a digital business or create digital content for the world.”

In order for Canada to improve its position and regain its place at the forefront of the global digital economy, some key areas need to be addressed, such as:

• How can the adoption and use of digital technologies be improved in all sectors of the economy?
• What kind of digital infrastructure will be required for the 21st century?
• What will grow the ICT industry, while reducing the deficit?

The March 2010 Speech from the Throne and Budget 2010 both established the Government of Canada’s objective to develop a digital economy strategy for Canada. Canada’s digital economy strategy will enable the ICT sector to create new products and services, accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, and contribute to improved cyber security practices by industry and consumers. It ensures that creators have the incentives to innovate, the confidence to take risks and the tools to succeed.

More information on the issues is available on the Canada 3.0 2010 forum website. Canada 3.0 2010 is a collaborative effort between the Canadian Digital Media Network and the University of Waterloo — Stratford Campus. Organizers of the second annual forum, which took place in May 2010, want Canadians to set their sites on the “moon shoot” — in the context of the digital economy, the ability for anyone to do anything online by 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday. It’s a reference to US president John F. Kennedy’s 1962 call to put a man on the moon before the end of that decade. You can learn more about the outcome of the forum at www.canada30.ca.

Become part of the discussion to ensure Canada can not only compete, but also lead the world, in today’s new digital economy. Please visit www.digitaleconomy.gc.ca for more information.