Countries around the world are recognizing the need for a National Digital Strategy, but Canada has not yet embarked on this process. Digital technologies are bringing about transformative change in society, and Nordicity advocates that we develop our own strategy. We outline the main issues affecting digital literacy and skills, cultural industries, and broadband infrastructure and technology. We argue for a comprehensive approach and propose the institutional machinery necessary to make it happen. We aim to share this paper with colleagues in Canadian public agencies and private stakeholders in the creative and communications industries and seek feedback from you.

Digital literacy and creativity, investment in human capital for the workplace, and citizen engagement with government illustrate the growing need for creating a national digital strategy.

A national digital strategy can help cultural industries successfully make the transition to digital platforms through redesign of support programs, clarifying the roles of broadcasters and distributors, and amending the Copyright Act.

Extending broadband and digital broadcasting connections to all Canadians is a vital part of a national digital strategy that fosters innovation in infrastructure, content creation and distribution.

Countries around the world have developed a digital strategy including the UK’s, Digital Britain, but Canadian solutions must be sensitive to Canada’s circumstances.

Implementing the national digital strategy will requires horizontal policy development across jurisdictional divides and an innovative political approach.