Canada accepts to lead global Open Government Partnership

OTTAWA, Sept. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada understands that citizens are best served by open, accountable and transparent government that fosters trust in public institutions.

Canada has agreed to take on the role of lead government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) for 2018-19, as well as supporting government co-chair for 2017-18. The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, will represent Canada in its role as co-chair of the OGP, and will focus on 3 key priority areas:

• inclusion: by ensuring that open government efforts support the greater inclusion of traditionally marginalized or under-represented people
• participation: by opening up data and information to inspire innovation, and making public engagement and civic participation critical elements of public policy development
• impact: by helping countries publish  clear targets and undertake honest and accountable reporting on progress

The Open Government Partnership Steering Committee is comprised of government and civil society representatives that together guide the ongoing development and direction of the Open Government Partnership. Canada will serve as supporting government co-chair in 2017-18 during the Government of Georgia's lead chairmanship, before taking over as lead government co-chair in October 2018.

This leadership role in the OGP is an important opportunity for Canada to work in collaboration with partners from government and civil society.

Quote

"Canada accepts the role of lead government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership for 2018-19 with great enthusiasm, humility and optimism. We have been a proud member of the Partnership since 2012, and look forward to playing a leadership role in promoting the values of openness, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation on the world stage."

-       The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board

Quick Facts

• The Open Government Partnership is an international multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together 75 governments and hundreds of civil society organizations. It was launched in 2011 to provide a global platform for those committed to making governments around the world more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens.
• The Open Government Partnership Steering Committee was most recently co-chaired by the governments of France and Georgia, as well as the World Resources Institute and International School for Transparency, for the 2016-17 term.

Associated Links

• Canada elected to global open government leadership role
• Open Government Partnership Steering Committee
• Third Biennial Plan to the Open Government Partnership (2016-18)

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SOURCE Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat