Minister Clement and Canadian Innovators Explore Potential of Open Data with International Partners

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 11, 2013) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today took part in the first-ever intergovernmental transatlantic Google Hangout with international partners. The Hangout centred on the economic potential of the growing Open Data movement, and strategies for generating even more enthusiasm for progress, investment and innovation in this exciting field.

"We continue to showcase Open Data, on data.gc.ca, as a means to use information and technology to create jobs and improve people's lives," said Minister Clement. "Open Data's amazing potential lies with innovators accessing raw, previously unavailable government data and reimagining it in new ways. Its potential will also result in tremendous economic benefits and will allow citizens to better understand and engage with government."

Minister Clement was joined by Sir Nigel Shadbolt, Chairman of the Open Data Institute, and Paul Maltby, Director of Open Data and Transparency with the Government of the United Kingdom, two avid advocates of Open Data. Also taking part was high tech innovator, Sam Vermette from Montréal, who co-created the Transit App, currently in use in 43 cities worldwide.

"We are in the middle of an international revolution in open data and open government," said Paul Maltby. "The open data principles signed up to by all the countries of the G8, and the rapid expansion of the Open Government Partnership-of which the UK, a founder member, is current lead co-chair-are markers for the progress that's been made. We must maintain this momentum. Collaboration with international partners like Canada plays an important part in sharing experience and spreading the word of open data."

Canada and the United Kingdom are committed to international collaboration through vehicles such as the Open Government Partnership, and both nations are addressing the need to change the culture of public service toward greater transparency, innovation and flexibility. This fall, the Government of Canada will release its Directive on Open Government, defining more clearly than ever before the obligation for government to deliver open data and open information to Canadians.

The Hangout not only explored the potential economic benefits of Open Data and Open Government, but also touched on application development and job creation.

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