Canada

Internet governance in Canada involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses various policies, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative efforts among governmental bodies, private sector entities, civil society, and international organisations. The governance framework is designed to ensure that the internet remains open, secure, and accessible to all Canadians while fostering innovation and protecting user rights.

Key Institutions and Stakeholders:

Government of Canada: The federal government plays a crucial role in shaping internet governance through departments such as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). These bodies are responsible for creating policies and regulations that ensure the Internet’s accessibility and security.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC): The CRTC regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada. It ensures that Canadian content is available to internet users and that telecommunications services are accessible, competitive, and responsive to user needs.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED): ISED develops policies related to innovation, science, and technology, including those that affect internet infrastructure and services. It aims to foster a competitive and innovative digital economy.

Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA): CIRA manages the .ca domain and contributes to the development of Canada’s internet infrastructure. It also supports initiatives that enhance the security and stability of the internet in Canada.

Private Sector and Civil Society: Internet service providers (ISPs), tech companies, and civil society organisations (CSOs) are essential stakeholders. They engage in policy dialogues, advocate for user rights, and develop technologies that shape internet governance.

Canada has implemented a comprehensive set of digital strategies to promote innovation, enhance economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. These strategies encompass various aspects of digital transformation, including digital infrastructure, digital government, digital economy, and digital inclusion.

Canada’s Digital Charter aims to build trust in the digital and data-driven economy by establishing principles that guide digital policy and behaviour. The Charter focuses on ensuring universal access, protecting Canadians from cyber threats, giving individuals control over their data, ensuring transparency in data collection and usage, and promoting open and modern digital government services.

Canada’s Connectivity Strategy seeks to provide high-speed internet access to all Canadians, particularly those in rural and remote areas. This strategy involves significant investment in broadband infrastructure through initiatives like the Universal Broadband Fund, with the goal of achieving universal high-speed internet coverage by 2030. It also emphasises collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, as well as the private sector, to expand connectivity.

The Digital Government Strategy is designed to modernise the delivery of government services, making them more accessible, user-friendly, and efficient through digital transformation. This strategy includes digitalising government services to improve accessibility and efficiency, developing secure digital identity solutions for citizens, and promoting transparency and accountability by making government data and processes open and accessible.

The Innovation and Skills Plan aims to drive economic growth through innovation by supporting businesses and preparing the workforce for the digital economy. Key focus areas of this plan include establishing innovation superclusters to drive collaboration between industry, academia, and government, investing in digital literacy and skills training programs to prepare Canadians for jobs in the digital economy, and providing funding and resources to support the growth of innovative startups and small businesses.

The Data Strategy Roadmap for the Federal Public Service seeks to improve data governance and management within the federal public service, enhancing data-driven decision-making. This involves establishing clear roles and responsibilities for data stewardship across government departments, promoting the sharing of data between departments and with external partners while ensuring privacy and security, and developing the skills and capabilities of public servants to effectively use and manage data.

The Canadian government has implemented several strategies, policies, and initiatives to address these challenges, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Key Policies and Strategies

National Cyber Security Strategy (2018)

The National Cyber Security Strategy outlines Canada’s plan to enhance cybersecurity across the nation. The strategy focuses on three main pillars:

• Security and Resilience: Enhancing the cybersecurity of government systems, critical infrastructure, and the broader economy.
• Cyber Innovation: Encouraging the development of advanced cybersecurity technologies and fostering a skilled workforce.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Promoting national and international partnerships to address cyber threats collectively.

National Cyber Security Action Plan (2019-2024)

This action plan supports the National Cyber Security Strategy by detailing specific initiatives and investments. Key areas include:

• Enhancing the capabilities of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.
• Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in improving their cybersecurity posture.
• Investing in cybersecurity research and development.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) is a central authority for cybersecurity within the federal government. It provides advice, guidance, and services to protect Canada’s critical infrastructure and networks. Key functions include:

• Monitoring cyber threats and coordinating responses.
• Providing cybersecurity advice and guidance to government departments and private sector organizations.
• Raising public awareness about cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Critical Infrastructure Protection

Canada’s critical infrastructure, including energy, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications sectors, is a primary focus of cybersecurity efforts. The government collaborates with industry partners to enhance the resilience of these sectors against cyber attacks. Initiatives include:

• Public Safety Canada’s Critical Infrastructure Resilience Strategy: This strategy emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and information sharing to protect critical infrastructure.
• Cybersecurity Information Sharing (CIS): A program that facilitates the exchange of cyber threat information between government and private sector entities.

Legislation and Regulations

Several laws and regulations underpin Canada’s cybersecurity framework, ensuring that organizations adhere to high standards of security and privacy. Notable examples include:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): Governs how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information.
• Communications Security Establishment Act: Empowers the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to monitor and respond to cyber threats against federal systems.
• Digital Privacy Act (2015): Amends PIPEDA to include mandatory breach notification requirements.

Cybersecurity Awareness and Education

Raising awareness and educating the public and businesses about cybersecurity is a critical component of Canada’s strategy. Initiatives include:

• Get Cyber Safe: A national public awareness campaign that provides resources and tips to help Canadians protect themselves online.
• Cyber Security Awareness Month: An annual event in October that promotes cybersecurity awareness and education through various activities and programs.

International Collaboration

Canada recognizes that cybersecurity is a global issue requiring international cooperation. The country actively participates in international forums and collaborates with allies to address cyber threats. Key partnerships include:

• Five Eyes Alliance: A collaborative effort between Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand to share intelligence and coordinate responses to cyber threats.
• NATO Cyber Defence: Canada contributes to NATO’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity across member states.

Canada is recognized as one of a global leaders in artificial intelligence (AI), boasting a vibrant ecosystem of academic institutions, research centres, startups, and government initiatives. The country’s approach to AI emphasizes ethical considerations, innovation, and collaboration between public and private sectors. Key hubs such as Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton have become focal points for AI research and development, driving the growth of this transformative technology.

Academic and Research Institutions

Canada is home to some of the world’s leading AI research institutions, which contribute significantly to advancements in AI technology.

• Vector Institute (Toronto): Focuses on cutting-edge AI research, particularly in deep learning. It collaborates with industry partners to translate research into practical applications.
• Mila – Quebec AI Institute (Montreal): Led by renowned AI researcher Yoshua Bengio, Mila is a hub for AI research and development, specializing in deep learning and reinforcement learning.
• Amii – Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Edmonton): Known for its expertise in machine learning and AI, Amii collaborates with businesses to integrate AI into their operations.

2. Government Initiatives

The Canadian government has implemented several initiatives to support the growth and development of AI:

• Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2017): A $125 million investment to support AI research and talent development across the country. This strategy aims to position Canada as a world leader in AI.
• Innovation Superclusters Initiative: This initiative includes the SCALE.AI supercluster, focused on applying AI to improve supply chain efficiency. It brings together industry, academia, and government to drive innovation.

3. Startups and Industry

Canada’s AI landscape features a thriving startup ecosystem and active participation from established industries:

• AI Startups: Canada is home to numerous AI startups that are developing innovative solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. Companies like Element AI (recently acquired by ServiceNow), BlueDot, and Ada are notable examples.
• Industry Adoption: Major Canadian companies, including financial institutions and telecommunications firms, are increasingly integrating AI into their operations to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and decision-making processes.

Ethical AI and Regulation

Canada places a strong emphasis on the ethical development and use of AI:

• Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI (2018): A set of ethical guidelines developed to ensure that AI technologies are aligned with societal values and human rights.
• Directive on Automated Decision-Making (2020): A federal government policy that ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in the use of AI for automated decision-making processes in public services.

International Collaboration

Canada actively engages in international collaborations to advance AI research and address global challenges:

• Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): An international initiative that promotes collaboration on AI projects that respect human rights and democratic values. Canada is one of the founding members.
• AI4Good: Canada participates in global initiatives that leverage AI for social good, addressing issues such as healthcare, climate change, and sustainable development.