Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker is encouraging local residents to participate in the next round of public consultations on Ontario’s Data Strategy.
Ontario’s Government is beginning the second round of public consultations on the development of Ontario’s Data Strategy. The province is starting the conversation with the release of an initial Discussion Paper that focuses on the first key pillar of the Strategy: Promoting Public Trust and Confidence.
“The development of Ontario’s Data Strategy is a great opportunity to leverage the potential of data in ways that benefit businesses and Ontarians,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “This is the first of three Discussion Papers that we will release. These Discussion Papers are a chance to begin a very important conversation with the people of Ontario and represent an opportunity to be transparent about how our government thinks about data.”
As part of the second round of consultations, the government is also launching a user-friendly online platform, EngageON, so that all Ontarians can participate in the conversation.
“We’re really excited about the launch of the EngageON digital platform. It provides a convenient place for people to have their say, using the feedback method they’re most comfortable with,” said Thompson. “Tackling the issues and taking advantage of the opportunities in the data economy will require a wide range of perspectives, and this tool is the perfect way to collect this valuable insight.”
On the EngageON platform, anyone in Ontario can:
- Take part in an online dialogue about the Discussion Papers;
- Submit a formal, written submission about Ontario’s Data Strategy, and;
- Register for in-person events in six communities across Ontario.
“Through these consultations and the work of the Minister’s Digital and Data Task Force, we will create an Ontario Data Strategy that will promote public trust and confidence, stimulate economic growth and enable better, smarter, efficient government” said Walker. “I would encourage residents of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound to participate in the conversation through the EngageON platform. It is a great way to take part in the consultation process.”
Ontarians can view the first Discussion Paper and provide their feedback through the online platform atEngageON.
In-person consultations will also be held in the summer and fall in Sarnia, Stratford, Sault Ste. Marie, Peterborough and Ottawa, with more potential locations to come. Ontarians can register for in-person consultations through the EngageON platform.
The province will release two additional Discussion Papers online for public comment, as it works toward the release of a final Data Strategy at the end of 2019.
Consultations for Phase 1 concluded on March 7, 2019. Ontarians can view more details of the recommendations made during Phase 1 of consultations at ontario.ca/DataStrategy.
The Minister’s Digital and Data Task Force was announced on June 27, 2019.
Discussion Paper: Promoting Public Trust and Confidence
