Government of Canada Launches National Consultations on a Digital Economy Strategy

Dr. Kellogg Booth, GRAND’s scientific director, applauds the federal government for launching online consultations aimed at strengthening Canada’s National Digital Economy.

Posted by GRAND NCE, May 12, 2010

Dr. Kellogg Booth, GRAND’s scientific director, applauds the federal government for launching online consultations aimed at strengthening Canada’s National Digital Economy. The announcement was made jointly on May 12 by the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development at the recent Canada 3.0 Conference held in Stratford, Ontario.

“Canada can and should be a leader in the global digital economy,” said Minister Clement. “Now is the time for the private sector to step up and contribute their ideas for a digital strategy and, when that strategy is in place, to implement the plan.”

"This is a great opportunity to use digital media as a means to promote public discourse on a topic of significant importance not only for economic reasons, but also for social, legal, and cultural reasons," said Kellogg Booth. "It's interesting that the topic is digital media itself!"

Dr. Gerri Sinclair, GRAND's network director, noted that "the consultation paper emphasizes the importance of innovation in R&D and technology and that these are both required for Canada to maintain its lead."

“GRAND researchers are involved in many areas outlined in this consultation process,” explained Sam Trosow, GRAND’s theme leader focused on social, legal and cultural perspectives. “We will be following with interest the national conversation that enfolds as well as contributing ourselves and encouraging our affiliated institutions and partners to actively participate.”

The online consultations will be hosted at www.digitaleconomy.gc.ca and will be open to all Canadians. Those interested in shaping the future of this key industry sector can participate in two ways: through an online Open Forum or by sending a formal submission. The consultation process will be open until July 9.

GRAND, a federally-funded Network Centres of Excellence in the area of graphics, animation and new media, is currently supporting 32 multidisciplinary research projects involving 63 researchers at 19 Canadian universities and more than 30 industry partners.