Legal Commentary

Ottawa should follow U.S. lead on technology - CTO for Canada

By David Canton

For the London Free Press - January 19, 2009

Read this on Canoe

Technology and its ramifications play an increasing role in our lives.

Unfortunately, governments don’t always understand the social and political impacts of technology, or how their decisions and new legislation affects innovation and our use of technology.

Canada should consider having a Chief Technology Officer to assist government to understand the trends and practical effects of technology.

In the United States, the Bush administration had a technology czar, who served mainly to defend against cyberattacks.

Barack Obama has made an effort to change and broaden that role. In late 2007, Obama introduced his idea of a chief technology officer, reflecting his pledge of more open decision-making in government.

Obama’s team has committed to embracing technology, because of the impact the Internet had on the election. His team’s plan is to employ online tools used during the campaign and lay the groundwork once his administration takes office.

It has been said that the Obama CTO’s mandate would be to create new levels of transparency and access to government agencies, and guide policies that stimulate growth, innovation, interoperability of key government functions, communication and, above all, security.

According to Obama’s official characterization of the role, the CTO would ensure “government and all its agencies have the right infrastructure, policies and services for the 21st century.

“The CTO will ensure the safety of our networks and will lead an interagency effort, working with chief technology and chief information officers of each of the federal agencies, to ensure that they use best-in-class technologies and share best practices.”

That role relates to delivery of government services. While that’s useful, the more fundamental role is to deal with how technology inter-relates with legislation and policy.

The general idea behind a Canadian CTO would be to have someone experienced and well-versed in science and technology issues, who understands current tools and trends in technology, where those trends may be headed, and how they may affect citizens and businesses.

Understanding that would lead to better legislation and policies on issues such as intellectual property, the Internet, new media, the environment, privacy and security.

The CTO also would be able to help government put lobbying efforts by various groups in context.

It also would help prevent the unintended consequences that can arise from legislation, and to avoid well-intentioned but misguided laws.

The CTO would help government interpret technology trends, understand how they affect practical issues, their ramifications and possibilities — then help create and implement policies that address and take advantage of those trends.

The aim would be for government to seek the CTO’s counsel on proposed legislation and policy of all types, help interpret it and put it in context.

Ottawa has yet to embrace this kind of approach. Canada needs to advance its position globally, become more innovative, and create its own leading-edge visions in technology. This is especially true in today’s economic climate.

Full post as published by eLegal Canton on January 19, 2009 (boomark / email).