Search

Begin New Search Topic Digital Policy Author Michel Girard

1. Canada Needs Its “New Approach” to Streamline Digital Rulemaking

Author:
Michel Girard
Publication Date:
07-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Canada’s current approach to rulemaking is not keeping pace with the deployment of new digital technologies. This paper proposes to modernize the Statutory Instruments Act to bridge that gap, suggesting that mandatory standards, technical specifications and conformity assessment programs should be recognized as statutory instruments alongside regulations. This borrows from the European Union’s “New Approach” established in 1985, whereby regulators can request that EU standards bodies develop mandatory standards as a compliance mechanism to laws, even while legislation is being drafted. Streamlining rulemaking is essential to help manage the harms associated with digital technologies as soon as possible after they are commercialized.
Topic:
Governance, European Union, Regulation, Digital Policy, Emerging Technology, and Standards
Political Geography:
Canada and North America

2. Canada Needs Its “New Approach” to Streamline Digital Rulemaking

Author:
Michel Girard
Publication Date:
07-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Canada’s current approach to rulemaking is not keeping pace with the deployment of new digital technologies. This paper proposes to modernize the Statutory Instruments Act to bridge that gap, suggesting that mandatory standards, technical specifications and conformity assessment programs should be recognized as statutory instruments alongside regulations. This borrows from the European Union’s “New Approach” established in 1985, whereby regulators can request that EU standards bodies develop mandatory standards as a compliance mechanism to laws, even while legislation is being drafted. Streamlining rulemaking is essential to help manage the harms associated with digital technologies as soon as possible after they are commercialized.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Digital Policy, Standards, and Digital Governance
Political Geography:
Canada and North America

3. A Canadian Framework for Data Reuse

Author:
Michel Girard
Publication Date:
04-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Although Canada is making progress in protecting consumers against data misuse, it needs to turn its attention to enabling data reuse. The current practices and tools in place are not conducive for data sharing. This creates a significant hurdle for data scientists and statisticians as they cannot train algorithms without large data inputs. A national framework for data reuse is needed to manage risks associated with data sharing. It should include sector-based data strategies, the certification of new classes of data professionals across data value chains, common interoperability and governance standards, and a safe and secure data transmission infrastructure. As common data-sharing spaces are needed for data reuse to occur, there is an opportunity to experiment with different data-sharing models. A national data reuse framework is essential for Canada to assert its data sovereignty and become a digital society. This is why the federal government has a critical role to play.
Topic:
Security, Privacy, Data, and Digital Policy
Political Geography:
Canada and North America