As you know, CAP was created in 1995, when Internet technologies and participation in the new knowledge-based economy had not yet penetrated the Canadian socio-economic landscape. Since that time, broadband Internet service in Canada has increased considerably:94 percent of Canadians now live in a community where broadband access is available for purchase. In fact, since 2008, almost all urban households and over three quarters of rural households have had access to broadband service. An estimated 8 in 10 Canadians presently use the Internet on a regular basis. In addition, alternative forms of public Internet access are now available throughout most of Canada.

The world has changed, but Moll points out that CAPs have served as a valuable resource for many communities.

On the legislative front, Clement should reintroduce the Electronic Commerce Protection Act, the anti-spam bill that passed through the House of Commons and was to have been the subject of Senate hearings earlier this year.  Having received all-party support and extensive study, the legislation should be placed on a rocket docket with a commitment to passing the bill before the summer recess.

Two other long-awaited bills should be part of the short-term digital strategy.  With the national copyright consultation complete, a digital copyright bill consistent with Clement’s commitment to a forward-looking, technology neutral approach should be introduced within the next 100 days.  So, too, should a privacy reform bill, which Clement identified as a priority at the start of 2010.

Beyond new legislation, government can use the next 100 days to lead by example.  A new data.gc.ca website with open government datasets like those found in the U.S. and U.K. should be easy to achieve.  The government also could follow the Australian approach to solve the crown copyright problem that restricts use of government documents by adopting open licences that grant permission to use documents without formal approval (or the need for a new law).  

The government can use the next 100 days to step up its digital enforcement agenda.  This includes ensuring Internet providers are compliant with net neutrality requirements and that telemarketers abide by do-not-call legislation.

Finally, longer-term digital agenda issues must be put on the policy front burner.  These include discussions on spectrum allocation, digital television transition, removal of Canadian control requirements in the telecom sector, and new media issues.

None of these initiatives will mark an immediate resurgence in Canada’s digital ranking.  But after years of missteps, perhaps some baby steps now would put the nation’s digital agenda back on track.