Industry Minister James Moore Highlights Measures to Position Canada for Success in the Digital Age

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 10, 2014) - Industry Canada

Industry Minister James Moore was at the 2nd Annual Digital Economy Congress in Vancouver today to highlight the progress made under Digital Canada 150, the Harper Government's plan to position Canada as a leader in the global digital economy. Specifically, he highlighted how Canada attracts global leaders in investment and digital innovation and how Digital Canada 150 is working to help Canadian businesses take full advantage of the digital age.

Digital Canada 150 sets clear goals of what Canada can achieve by the time we celebrate its 150th birthday in 2017. It includes five pillars, 39 new initiatives and one national plan for 35 million Canadians. Digital Canada 150 is the result of extensive consultations with industry, businesses and individuals. It is designed to be inclusive, capable of responding to the demands of fast-changing times and able to provide Canadians with the tools, the protections and the skills they need to fully embrace the opportunities of the digital age.

Quick facts

• An investment of $305 million through Connecting Canadians, a key element of Digital Canada 150, will extend and enhance high-speed Internet services to a target speed of 5 megabits per second for 280,000 Canadian households in rural and remote areas.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 committed $15 million for the Institute for Quantum Computing to help commercialize leading-edge research in quantum technologies including cryptography and medical diagnostics. These are areas and technologies that could transform traditional markets, create new industries and generate a wave of leading-edge jobs.
• Changes to Canada's policy on new cellphone towers have put local residents and governments at the forefront of the tower placement process.
• Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation is protecting Canadians from malicious online attacks, while ensuring businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace.
• Two wireless auctions in the AWS-3 and 2500 MHz band are planned for the first half of 2015, bringing Canadians more choice, lower prices and better service in the wireless communications marketplace.
• Once passed, Bill S-4, the Digital Privacy Act, will bring stronger privacy protection for Canadians in the event of corporate data breaches.
• On October 3, the Government introduced new electronic labelling rules that will reduce costs for device manufacturers and enable more choices for consumers on the latest high-tech devices.

Quotes

"Our government wants to connect all Canadians to the opportunities afforded by a digital world. Canada is positioned as a global leader in knowledge, innovation, low tax rates and job creation. This means that Canada can attract top talent and investment from around the world. Digital Canada 150 is a bold plan that will help ensure Canadians have the skills and opportunities they need for success in the global economy and our businesses have access to the digital tools they need to boost productivity, develop their companies and capture growing markets at home and abroad. As we look to the future, our government will continue to build Canada's economy for the 21st century, both in the conventional sectors that have driven the creation of jobs and growth as well as in the growing, innovation-driven digital economy."

- Industry Minister James Moore

"Innovation in digital technology has disrupted industries around the world, exposing new opportunities for growth and prosperity. Canada is primed to benefit from this new economy and establish international leadership in this digital revolution."

- Greg Spievak, CEO of Reboot Communications, organizers of the Digital Economy Congress

Associated link

• Digital Canada 150 website

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