Canada to host world-leading open government summit in 2019

TBILISI, Georgia, July 19, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada takes on a leadership role in responsible open government, with a focus on digital government.

Today, the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government, announced that Canada will host the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit in Ottawa, Ontario from May 29 to 31, 2019. Minister Brison made the announcement following the conclusion of the 2018 summit in Tbilisi, Georgia.

This event, a catalyst for advancing open and responsible government, will support progress in over 70 modern democracies around the world. The summit provides an opportunity for Canada to take action to advance its OGP leadership priorities of inclusion, participation and impact, leading to open government growth that works for all Canadians and member nations.

Canadians have long-recognized the value of open government, especially since Canada joined the OGP in 2012. Support at home has contributed to Canada's successful completion of 3 national action plans on open government. These are soon to be followed by the next ambitious plan shaped by ideas and feedback from thousands of Canadians.

Minister Brison's announcement builds on Canada's upcoming role as lead government chair of the OGP, starting October 1, 2018.

Quote

"More open, digitally enabled government is the key to improving the relationship between citizens and government, and rebuilding democratic legitimacy in the 21st century. Canada's new international open government leadership role should make all Canadians proud. We look forward to hosting OGP members as we work to make open government more inclusive, participatory and truly impactful."

- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government

"In a time when trust in government is declining in many countries around the world, it is inspiring to see Canada step up and assume co-leadership of the Open Government Partnership at a pivotal moment. On crucial issues of gender, inclusion and delivering real impact that matters for people's lives, I'm eager to work with Minister Brison and the whole of the Canadian government to chart a path forward for the OGP that inspires action."

- Nathaniel Heller, incoming lead civil society co-chair of the Open Government Partnership

Quick Facts

• The OGP was launched in 2011 to provide an international platform for nations committed to making their governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens.
• In total, over 70 OGP participating countries and 20 local governments have made over 2,500 commitments to make their governments more open and accountable.
• Funding for the 2019 Summit was made available through Budget 2018, investing in people and communities to support Canada's future.

Associated Links

• Open Government Partnership Global Summit 2019
• Open Government Partnership 2018 Summit ? Tbilisi, Georgia
• Government of Canada Open Government Portal
• Canada's Third National Action Plan on Open Government for 2016-18

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SOURCE Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat