Media Advisory - Canadian Open Data Experience comes to Vancouver

Nationwide Hackathon calling on Vancouver coders
to help change the world, one app at a time

VANCOUVER, Feb. 4, 2015 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is looking for tech enthusiasts, willing to test their digital prowess against a ticking clock.

The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, along with Ray Sharma of XMG Studio Inc., continue their nation-wide tour to promote CODE 2015 – The Canadian Open Data Experience. The fourth and final stop will take place in Vancouver on February 11^th.

Part of the Government of Canada's Action Plan on Open Government, CODE 2015 inspires the open data community to come together to compete over 48 hours to create web and mobile apps using federal data sets available at open.canada.ca. Participants are also encouraged to work mash-up data from all levels of government when developing their apps.

Students, entrepreneurs and innovators are invited to come learn about Open Government in Canada, and how CODE 2015 is inspiring Canadians to use open data to build a better world. Speak with Minister Clement, Ray Sharma, past and future participants. 

The Vancouver stop is organized in partnership with OpenDataBC and the BCTIA Innovation HUB. OpenDataBC is a collaborative effort by a group of B.C. citizens with the vision of providing easier access to information so that citizens may better understand their province. The BCTIA Innovation Hub is a 26,000 square foot open collaboration space dedicated to helping tech companies grow. The Hub is designed to support early- and growth-stage companies by providing access to expert coaches and mentors, professional services, resources, investors, partners, customers, government agencies and more.

Date:  February 11, 2015
Time & Schedule: Registration: 5:30pm – 6:00pm, Speakers & networking: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: BCTIA Innovation HUB, Suite 101 – 887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5

Background:

Why Open Data: The Government of Canada has been working with the national and international open government community to create greater transparency and accountability, increase citizen engagement, and drive innovation and economic opportunities through open data, open information, and open dialogue. The Digital Canada 150 Strategy reinforces these goals. CODE showcases not only the breadth of data available to Canadians, but also the depth of talent in Canada's developer community, while also opening doors for future technology and business leaders.

How it works: The CODE hackathon takes place over the weekend of International Open Data Day from February 20 to February 22, 2015. The national competition is open to anyone 18 and over interested in developing applications (web & mobile) using at least one federal dataset from open.canada.ca, regardless of digital prowess. Participants can take part in three ways: apply to attend the 48-hour event at one of three VIP HUBs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal; register to participate from a space made available by CODE supporters; or participate virtually. At the end of the CODE hackathon, participants submit their completed applications online to be evaluated and considered for $40,000 in prizes.

SOURCE XMG Studio

Lydia Schaele, XMG Studio Inc., 647-526-5630, Lydia [at] xmg.com; Samantha Tam, High Road, 613-688-1192, Samantha.tam [at] highroad.com