Liberals are working on Parliament Hill today by hosting a roundtable focusing on the digital economy and what actions Canada needs to take now to become a leader in the innovative world economy of the 21st century: the digital economy.
“The world’s economy continues to evolve rapidly and a renewed vision is required,” said Liberal Industry, Research and Technology Critic Marc Garneau. “Knowledge and creativity are the hottest commodities and increasingly powerful drivers of Canada’s economy, and the Internet is their medium.”
While other developed countries are investing heavily to capitalize on the digital economy, Canada is falling behind in terms of its commitment to connectivity and universal access. The Conservative government has failed to take progressive positions on the issues of net neutrality, foreign ownership, copyright and intellectual property. In comparison, Australia has dedicated an entire federal department to high speed communications and the digital economy, focused on trying to build technology leadership. The UK, with its Digital Britain strategy, is developing a system of next generation digital infrastructure.
“What worries us is that the Conservative government has done nothing on this important issue,” said Liberal Canadian Heritage Critic Pablo Rodriguez. “By doing nothing to drive the digital economy, the Conservatives are leaving Canada on the sidelines and letting this opportunity slip through their fingers, at a cost of thousands of jobs and the cultural and economic enrichment of our country.”
“To create new jobs and build thriving communities in the 21st century, Canada must take hold of the future, invest today, and set bold and ambitious goals,” said Marc Garneau. “We must create an environment of competition that accelerates investment in next generation fibre and wireless digital networks in all regions of Canada, rural and urban.”
“Technology is changing the world,” added Mr. Rodriguez. “Canadians are no longer watching shows only on their television, but are exposed to culture on the internet and over their mobile devices. While mindful of Canadian content and the cultural ties that bind our nation, we must also evolve if we hope to prosper, and we must act now.”
“The digital economy is and will continue to be a defining part of our economy, for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and it is also altering the essence of Canadian society,” concluded Mr. Garneau. “In the lead-up to 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday, action needs to be taken to ensure Canada does not fall behind our peer countries, not only in the digital economy, but in economic development in general.”
