Access key theme in digital strategy comments

Free access to government data and equitable access to the internet itself are key to a prosperous digital economy, say many of those who took part in recent federal consultations.

For two months, the government has been seeking publicinput onits strategy for a digital economy.

Access and openness were recurring themesin the ideas gathered during online consultations that ended Tuesday.

"It's clear a lot of thought has gone into this input," Industry Minister Tony Clement said in a statement posted on the consultation website. "Once we have reviewed all of the public input, as well as the results of meetings with industry as well as federal, provincial, and territorial representatives, we will develop an action plan for regaining Canada's leadership as a digital economy."

He did not provide a specific timeline, but suggested Canada would take about the same time as other countries, who have typically developedstrategies in six to 18 months.

According to the government, more than 2,000 Canadian individuals and organizations registered to take part in the forums. About 160 formal submissions were posted on the website. In addition,there dozens ofinformal submissionscame through the site's ideas forum, where registered users were invited to rate and comment on them.

Several participants advocated free public access to government data collected by agencies such as Statistics Canada.

"Open access stimulates research and IT sectors who will have the resources they need for the creation of new data R&D products and services, evidence based decision making , and informing public policy on a number of key Canadian issues," wrote Tracey Lauriault, who blogs about open government on civicaccess.ca and datalibre.ca.

Prof. Michael Geist of the University of Ottawa, a Canada research chair in internet and e-commerce law, noted that openness has been a guiding principle in "many strategy documents," including New Zealand's digital strategy.

Access to the internet and wireless communications was emerged as a big concern. Many submissions said access to broadband is still spotty in rural areas, putting rural residents at a disadvantage.

A number of submissions advocated making more wireless spectrum available and boosting competition.

"The Digital Economy of 2020 and beyond will run largely on a wireless highway," wrote Deloitte Canada. "Our highway has too few lanes for the traffic of the future. The government can more aggressively release spectrum for mobile data, which will spur innovation, once again at minimal cost."

Other submissions advocated:

• Requiring researchers supported by taxpayers to make the published results of their research freely available within six months.
• Government use of open-source software.
• Public ownership of internet infrastructure.
• Wider access to broadband and Wi-Fi.
• Net neutrality or "unencumbered" access to communication networks, without preference to certain types of content.
• Continued support for community access to free or affordable internet.
• Having thegovernment act as a model user of digital technologies, in its interaction with the public and businesses.
• Better incentives and support for early-stage technology businesses, including venture capital and funding that targets marketing and sales.

Voices from the consultation

"Canada can increase the visibility and impact of its research by requiring all researchers supported by the Canadian taxpayer to make the published results of their research (and research data), freely available to everyone, everywhere, with an embargo period of no more than 6 months." hgmorrison

"An ongoing challenge for many British Columbians and for UBC is the inconsistent quality and capacity of internet connectivity, especially in rural and remote regions. As long as this inequality of access exists, Canadians living in underserved areas, such as rural and remote communities, will continue to be disadvantaged in terms of access to information and opportunity to engage fully in the digital economy and society." University of British Columbia

"The government of Canada should subsidize internet speeds of at least 150 Mbps as a minimum for all Canadians to have access to. Lets make sure all of our educational institutions are fully updated with the most up-to-date technology so that all Canadians would be willing to use such computers." a1j2p8a1

"Industry and Government need to do more to help companies get investment ready and better attract foreign investors. Policies that penalize companies for accepting foreign investment must be reviewed and unnecessary barriers to foreign investment in Canadian Venture Funds removed." BC Technology Industry Association