STRATFORD, Ont. – While saying a digital economy strategy will come from the federal government sometime later this year, in the meantime, Federal Industry Minister Christian Paradis challenged Canadian business leaders “to take risks, invest, think creatively and act boldly to ensure Canada’s success in the global digital economy.”
“We need a growing information and communications technology sector that drives product and service innovations and propels them into every corner of our economy,” said Minister Paradis in his keynote speech to the Canada 3.0 Digital Media Forum in Stratford. “We need to make Canada a world leader in the creation and use of digital technologies. That is where our future lies. To get there we must invest, adapt and innovate.”
Minister Paradis pointed out the federal government’s commitment to creating a competitive and viable digital sector, promoting greater adoption of technology across the entire Canadian economy and bridging the growing gap between urban and rural Canadians, such as its $400-million investment to support the creation of large-scale venture capital funds led by the private sector, its investments in rural broadband and structure of the upcoming 700 MHz wireless spectrum auction (further details of which are coming Wednesday, he said).
“Addressing the challenges we face with regard to access to capital and a literate workforce as well as adoption and productivity is also part of this strategy's framework,” said Paradis in his speech. “This is the foundation upon which we will build a clear strategy for the sector and the economy as a whole.
“But, later this year, when we put that strategy forward, it will only succeed if industry as well as federal, provincial and territorial governments work together. This means: Provinces and territories need to make tomorrow's skills a priority today in their education systems; Colleges and universities must work more closely with the private sector; Industry must work to bring forward more private investment, particularly in early-stage risk capital, and to support larger-scale venture capital funds; Companies must use their enhanced access to broadband to support the shift to a more mobile, digitally connected economy,” he explained.
“As a nation we need to take more risks, think more creatively and act more boldly to claim our place in the global digital economy.”
