ICT Industry Keen to Begin the Task of "Improving Canada's Digital Advantage"

OTTAWA, May 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The information and communications technology industry welcomes Industry Minister Tony Clement's announcement today about the process for the formulation of Canada's digital economy strategy, and is eager to engage in this process.

"The ICT industry has advocated the need for a digital economy strategy for many years now and we are delighted to know that with the Minister's announcement we are now underway," said Tom Turchet, Chair of ITAC, the Information Technology Association of Canada and Vice-President, Software, General Business, IBM. "The process will focus on five critical areas that are essential to the competitiveness of our industry and our nation: the uptake of digital technology throughout the economy; the digital infrastructure; growing the ICT industry; digital content; and building a strong talent pool rich with the skills necessary for leadership in a digital economy. These are important questions not only for those in the ICT business, but for any citizen engaged in building a strong 21st-century Canada."

The process invites Canadians to participate in roundtable discussion or to file submissions with government over the next sixty days. Deadline for submissions is July 9, 2010. The Government is looking to have a strategy ready to propose to Cabinet by the Fall.

The government's Digital Strategy Consultation Paper can be found at: http://de-en.gc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Consultation_Paper.pdf

ITAC's previous submissions on a digital economy strategy for Canada, "Upping Our Game," can be found here: http://www.itac.ca/index.php?/site/media_details/1236/

For further information: Bernard Courtois, President, CEO, ITAC, [phone] ext. 231, [email protected]; Lynda Leonard, Senior Vice-President, ITAC, [phone] ext. 223, [email protected]