The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

Canada's Digital Charter lays a foundation of trust and encourages continued growth across the digital- and data-driven economy.

In 2016, the Government of Canada launched the Innovation and Skills Plan as a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and equipping Canadians with the skills necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy. This whole-of-government approach supports businesses across the entire innovation spectrum and Canadians at every stage of life, reflecting the government's commitment to a dynamic and inclusive innovation ecosystem. As the landscape of innovation continues to change, the plan is designed to be flexible and responsive, evolving in collaboration with stakeholders and the public to address emerging opportunities and challenges.A significant milestone in the plan's evolution was the National Digital and Data Consultations launched in 2018. This broad, country-wide engagement aimed to gather Canadians' insights on digital transformation and data usage, securing over 1,950 written responses and hosting 30 in-person discussions led by six prominent Digital Innovation Leaders. This consultative process underscored the importance of building trust, inclusion, and shared understanding as Canada moves toward a digital economy, ensuring that diverse voices ” including business leaders, Indigenous peoples, youth, and government representatives ” shaped the future digital agenda.Building on these consultations, the Government introduced Canada's Digital Charter in 2019, a framework articulating 10 foundational principles to guide Canada's leadership in the digital and data-driven economy. These principles emphasize universal access, safety, control over personal data, transparency, fairness, ethical use of data, protection of democratic values, and accountability. The Charter represents a commitment to ensure that all Canadians benefit from digital innovation while safeguarding their rights and security in an increasingly interconnected world.Looking ahead, the Digital Charter and the Innovation and Skills Plan as a whole are designed to be living strategies that will continue to evolve. They will be implemented through ongoing collaboration with citizens, businesses, and governments to foster digital inclusion, enhance skills development, and promote trust in digital services. This initiative lays the foundation for scaling Canada's innovation ecosystem to remain globally competitive and socially responsible, adapting proactively to technological advances and societal needs over time.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)