The Committee believes that open data is an important initiative, and the ability to harness open government data can generate value for Canadians. Recognizing that open data is a resource, a raw material for the digital age, the Committee urges the federal government to continue to pursue its open data commitments as the volume of government data continues to expand.

The Committee recognizes that the federal government’s open data initiative will require a culture shift within the federal government. The G8 Open Data Charter principles – Open Data by Default; Quantity and Quality; Useable by All; Releasing Data for Improved Governance; and Releasing Data for Innovation – should guide this change.

In the opinion of many witnesses, Canada is among the leaders in open data. The Committee encourages the federal government to continue to innovate and develop its vision for open data in Canada. As a next step, increased collaboration and harmonization with other levels of government, including international governments and with non-governmental organizations, is critical to unlocking the value of open data. The Committee also believes that supporting open dialogue and broadly engaging citizens should be part of the open data movement in Canada.