Global Open Data Community Gathers in Ottawa

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 25, 2015) - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Today, Treasury Board President Tony Clement commended Canada's leadership in advancing open data while addressing nearly 200 participants at the Canadian Open Data Summit.

Summit attendees from Canadian academia, open data advocacy groups, municipalities and provinces are taking part in discussions on building sustainable, dynamic, and innovative open data communities across Canada. Minister Clement stressed the importance of open data as a driver for research, innovation, and the creation of new enterprises, and applauded participants for their role in unlocking its potential.

Minister Clement also took the opportunity to present the Canadian Open Data Award, a prize given for outstanding contribution to the Canadian open data community. The award recognizes achievements in innovation, improving data accessibility, and delivering social or economic value from open data.

The Summit is the first of several open-data-themed events during the week leading up to the International Open Data Conference in Ottawa on May 28 and 29. The Conference is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants from six continents under the theme "Enabling the Data Revolution." Other pre-conference events include the first ever Open Data Research Symposium, the Open Data Unconference, and Data Standards Day.

Quick Facts

Speakers for events throughout the week include leading experts in open data from civil society, government, and the private sector.
This year's International Open Data Conference is organized by the Government of Canada, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the World Bank. Over 50 presentations, panels, and sessions are being offered.
Open Data, Open Information, and Open Dialogue form the three major pillars of Canada's Action Plan on Open Government.
Canada's Action Plan on Open Government specifies ways the federal government is working towards creating a more open and transparent government and maximizing the sharing of information and data.
Open data allows developers, entrepreneurs or citizens to access datasets, identify and re-use valuable information, and build applications and tools to benefit society.

Quotes

"I am pleased to recognize the outstanding work of the Canadian open data community through the presentation of the Canadian Open Data Award. Events like this help us to celebrate achievement, map out innovative possibilities for the future, and fast track progress in the open data movement."

Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

"The Canadian Open Data Summit is a fantastic opportunity to meet on a national scale to collaborate on significant challenges facing the open data community. By sharing both local and international experiences, we grow the community strategically and define common goals. We are proud to acknowledge today's prize winner for the Canadian Open Data Award that recognizes an individual or an organization's outstanding contribution to the national open data community."

Jean-Noé Landry, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Outreach, Open North

Global Open Data Community Gathers in Ottawa

Canadian Open Data Summit kicks off week of themed events