Open Government Consultation Tour Convenes in Halifax

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 11, 2014) - Canadians were given the opportunity to comment on proposed activities for the next version of Canada's Action Plan on Open Government at a public workshop held in Halifax today. This stop, along with an expert panel discussion on Open Government held in Fredericton yesterday, was the final destination of a cross-Canada tour to help shape the Government of Canada's second Action Plan on Open Government.

The consultations were launched in May with the goal of hearing directly from Canadians. Suggestions on activities to make it easier to access government services, ensure accountability with government departments on things like spending and contracts, and retrieve valuable government information have been offered by participants both online and at in-person round tables.

Action Plan 2.0, which is based on three phases of consultation over the last five months, is being finalized and will be launched in October. This plan will continue work started in 2012 toward greater openness and accountability in government and will lead to enhanced innovation and economic opportunities for all Canadians through Open Data, Open Information, and Open Dialogue.

Quick Facts

• Canada has been a member of the Open Government Partnership, which now includes over 60 countries worldwide, since April 2012.
• Canada's second Action Plan on Open Government will build on the successes of the first Action Plan released in 2012, including the Open Government Licence, the Open Government Portal (data.gc.ca), and events like the CODE appathon, which encouraged entrepreneurship and economic activity to benefit Canadians.
• A report on the findings from all three phases of the consultations will be published this fall, and summaries of ideas and comments submitted are posted at regular intervals on data.gc.ca in the What We Heard section.

Quotes

"We're very excited to hear thoughts from Halifax participants about our next Action Plan on Open Government," said Minister Clement. "The ultimate goal of Action Plan 2.0 is to create a more cost effective, transparent and responsive government that reflects Canadians' views and encourages their participation in government."

• Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

Related Products

• Canada's Action Plan on Open Government 2.0 Consultation
  • Phase 1: Consultation Plan (includes details on upcoming in-person events)
  • Phase 2: Idea Dialogue
  • Phase 3: Activities Discussion
• Open Government Portal

Associated Links

• Consulting With Canadians
• Open Government Partnership (available in English only)

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