Ontario Launches Second Data Strategy Discussion Paper on Creating Economic Benefits

Ontario’s government has launched the second of three discussion papers for Ontario’s Data Strategy, focused on creating economic benefits in the data economy. The government is inviting Ontarians to share their feedback on the paper — and on how it can help Ontarians develop data-driven business models and unlock the commercial value of data, while ensuring that Ontarians’ personal information is protected.

Ontarians can take part in online conversations about the paper through the EngageON platform at engage.ontario.ca. Feedback will be collected until October 9, 2019.

“As part of our strategy, we want to enable Ontario firms to develop data-driven business models, so they can leverage the commercial value that data can offer,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “We need to hear from people and businesses across the province to better understand how we can drive innovation and economic opportunities for Ontario.”

Earlier this year, the government started the conversation on Ontario’s Data Strategy by inviting Ontarians to share their opinions in an online survey. In July, the province released the first discussion paper for public comment and held public consultations on the theme of “Promoting Trust and Confidence in Ontario’s Data Economy.”

“In our first public discussion, we wanted to hear directly how Ontarians feel about their rights and privacy when it comes to data,” said Thompson. “Some of the feedback we’ve heard so far is that Ontarians want more transparency about how their data is being collected and shared. They also want to be better informed about their data rights and potential data risks, in plain language that’s easy to understand. These insights will help our government deliver change and protect the things that matter most to the people of Ontario.”

Ontarians can view the results from the first discussion paper through the EngageON online platform.