It was only a matter of time before Canada would officially engage with its citizenry using the same tools we use to stay in touch with each other.
Treasury Board President Tony Clement announced a new Guideline for External Use of Web 2.0 this morning at a conference.
Government of Canada departments are encouraged to use Web 2.0 tools and services as an efficient and effective additional channel to interact with the public.
A lot is bound up in that sentence. Use tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. as an efficient and effective channel, in addition to (not instead of) presumably the older means to interact with the public.
The new guideline notes that interactive web tools can facilitate more rapid communication and engagement between government departments, including:
- Recruitment;
- Risk and emergency communications;
- Services to the public;
- Stakeholder outreach and education;
- As a collaborative tool; and
- Consultation.
On the communications front, we have seen the CRTC establish a Twitter presence (@CRTCgcca) and there have been a number of proceedings that have seen use of tools such as YouTube and collaborative consultation. Of course, the use of these tools does not seem to have resulted in faster delivery of a National Digital Strategy – which is a risk highlighted by the new Guideline. Among other risks, the Guideline observes that negative perceptions can arise from Web 2.0 initiatives because of an inability to fulfill reasonable expectations of timely two-way communication.
The Guideline is pretty extensive and should be reviewed on the government’s website. The complete Table of Contents follows:
Table of Contents
1. Publication Date
2. Purpose
2.1 Application
3. Background
3.1 What is Web 2.0?
3.2 Benefits of Use
3.3 Risks of Use
4. Key Considerations for Web 2.0 Initiatives
4.1 Governance and Oversight
4.2 Planning and Design
4.3 Rules of Engagement
4.4 Evaluation and Measurement
5. Establishing Guidance for Personnel
6. Additional Guidance Sources
7. Related Legislation and Policy Instruments
Legislation
Policy Instruments
8. Definitions
Appendix: Specific Policy Guidance (in alphabetical order)
A. Accessibility
B. Communications
C. Federal Identity Program
D. Information Management
E. Official Languages
F. Political Activities
G. Privacy and Access to Information
H. Procurement and Contracting
I. Security
J. Values and Ethics