Expansion of Open Government

For immediate release

March 18, 2011

Ottawa – The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia–Pacific Gateway, today issued the following statement on the Government of Canada's continued commitment to an open government.

"Today, I am pleased to announce the next step in our government's commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability to Canadians. The expansion of open government will give Canadians the opportunity to access public information in more useful and readable formats, enable greater insight into the inner workings of the Government and empower citizens to participate more directly in the decision-making process.

"Canada has historically led the way in providing accessible information to citizens. We were one of the first countries to enact access to information legislation almost three decades ago, and we significantly expanded coverage through the 2006 Federal Accountability Act. Canada has also led the way in proactively disclosing information about contracts, grants and contributions, and in posting hospitality and travel expenses on the Web. However, we believe more can—and should—be done to build on this record.

"The expansion of open government is being pursued through these three main streams:

• Open Data, which is about offering Government data in a more useful format to enable citizens, the private sector and non-government organizations to leverage it in innovative and value-added ways.
• Open Information, which is about proactively releasing information, including on Government activities, to Canadians on an ongoing basis. By proactively making Government information available, it will be easier to find and more accessible for Canadians.
• Open Dialogue, which is about giving Canadians a stronger say in Government policies and priorities, and expanding engagement through Web 2.0 technologies.

"Through this expansion, our government is delivering on its commitment to greater openness and accountability, strengthening our Democratic Reform agenda and driving innovation and economic opportunities for all Canadians."

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For more information, contact:

Jay Denney
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-952-5051

Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
613-957-2640

If there is a discrepancy between any printed version and the electronic version of this news release, the electronic version will prevail.

TTY (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) - (613) 957-9090