In recent weeks, the federal government has introduced legislation that is designed to modernize Canada’s copyright laws, improve privacy protection, and various ministers have made multiple announcements on research and training at various schools across the country [such as here and here].
We seem to be witnessing a stream of tactics without a clear statement of the overall objective.
According to the press release that was issued last Thursday with the Copyright legislation:
Modernizing Canada’s copyright laws is an important part of the Government’s strategy for the digital economy.
The privacy laws were characterized similarly:
Ensuring trust and confidence through the protection of personal information is essential to the growth of the digital economy
Of course these statements are true. But, implicit in these soundbites is a perception that somewhere, there exists a comprehensive Government strategy for the digital economy. Where is it?
Maybe I missed it while I was away for Rosh Hashana last week, but did anyone ask “Can I get a copy of thatĀ digital economyĀ strategy you keepĀ referringĀ to?”
And if copyright and privacy are “parts” of a strategy, what are the other parts? How do these pieces of legislation tie into the other elements of the strategy? Are thereĀ co-requisites, prerequisites? How do elements of the omnibus crime bill or its follow-up, the lawful access legislation, fit into the overall strategy? Is foreign direct investment in carriers part of the mix?
Will the national digital strategy play a role in a restructuringĀ of our regulatory bodiesĀ or in the selection criteria for the new chair of the CRTC?
How can something be said to be “an important part” of a strategy that does not yet exist?Ā I happen to agree that privacy, modernized copyright, support for increased R&D, digital law enforcement investigative powers and more are all important parts of our government’s strategy. But let’s face it, the strategy itself must be at least as important. Otherwise, how important can these piece parts be?
In the absence of a road map to a prescribed destination, shouldn’t we at least get a clear statement about the direction toward which we are heading?