In my previous blog post I wrote about a desire to see our Governments transform to be part of the 21st century. I saw a recent reference to how governments across Canada have lost their global leadership, how government in Canada at all levels provides analog services to a digital society. I reflect back on the 2011 report from Dillan Theckedath, Terry Thomas titled “Advancing Canada’s Digital Society” and ask myself, have we made any advancements in the past 5 years. The Digital 150 Federal Government strategy was published a few years ago with a list of 39 initiatives implemented or in progress at the time. Time will tell if the goal of a Digital Country will be achieved by 2017.

I have been thinking lately about some practical ways that government leaders could innovate and embrace their digital self to better serve their citizens, partners and businesses. I thought I would identify 15 initiatives that governments could pursue as part of their Digital Strategy.

For the last 50 years technology in government in Canada has been viewed as an expense, as a necessary evil, not always understood by elected officials and senior administrators. Information and Technology is part of every aspect of a city, county, region, province, territory and country, it is critical in delivering services. It is time to see digital technologies as an investment, as a way to innovate, reduce costs, enhance citizen service delivery and transform government operations.

15 Initiatives to consider for your Governments Digital Strategy



Now more than ever before government in Canada needs to find ways to innovate, to transform and to create a foundation that is sustainable. Now is the time for both courage and innovation in government.

Lets become a society that provides digital services to digital citizens. Time to move to the 21st century.