1. Preamble

On its own volition, Nordicity is coming forward at this time with an issues discussion paper that calls for the development of a National Digital Strategy in Canada. We believe it is very important and timely for a major federal initiative to develop an integrated national digital strategy – as opposed to addressing issues in a more compartmentalized fashion.

1.1 Origin, Purpose and Outline of the Issues Discussion Paper

Countries around the world are recognizing the need for a national digital strategy, but Canada does not yet have its own. The release of Digital Britain this past June in the UK draws attention to a need for Canada to have its own vision and integrated policy. Canada lacks a digital strategy that: recognizes the huge impact of digital technologies on the workplace and society; facilitates the creation and distribution of content on digital platforms; and provides the appropriate incentives to ensure universal accessibility to broadband and digital TV services.

This issues discussion paper argues for a comprehensive approach rather than operating on piece meal basis with no national digital strategy framework. Digital technologies are bringing about transformative change in society and we believe the issues arising from those developments should be looked at comprehensively. There are many linkages among the issues of skills development, cultural industries, and broadband infrastructure. These issues should be resolved in the context of a more integrated nationally coordinated strategy.

Nordicity’s varied consulting practice in cultural and communications policy in Canada and abroad,¹ gives us exposure to a variety of perspectives that have informed this paper. Since the preparation of this paper is entirely sponsored by Nordicity, it is independent of any particular policy stakeholders. Our objective is to stimulate discussion and engage key stakeholders in a broader debate - and so frame how the issues are addressed. Since we fully realize that there are many perspectives to consider, we seek feedback which may lead Nordicity to issue a release 2.0 that further shapes the issues.

We would like to share this paper with colleagues in Canadian public agencies and private stakeholders in the creative and communications industries. While aimed at national institutions, equally important are provincial authorities who are addressing many of the same issues. In fact, there are many regional and municipal initiatives that try to galvanize clusters of creative and innovative activity. It is vital to involve them all in this debate. While the federal government should take charge, a consultation process should be designed that recognizes the importance of provincial, regional, and municipal initiatives and interests.

In this issues discussion paper, we put forward the rationale for a national digital strategy. We identify a preliminary list of issues that stem from digital technologies’ impact on society and the workplace, cultural industries, and access to broadband networks. To situate Canada’s potential approach in a global context, we describe initiatives of other countries that have addressed similar issues. Finally, we propose a specific institutional design for implementing the development of a national digital strategy.