Hill Days are important opportunities to (1) market your industry generally to key government
representatives, so that the tech sector is positioned higher on their radar and priority list, and
(2) propose specific ideas and solutions to people who can act on those recommendations and
influence government policy. Re-think ‘Stimulus’ and Strategic Investments – ‘Virtual Shovel-Ready’ Projects can have a transformative impact for businesses and local economies. Bricks and mortar projects will always matter. However, it is time for the government to equally prioritize digital infrastructure projects. The best way to support Canadian tech SMEs is with a contract, not grants.

Key Messages

Re-think ‘Stimulus’ and Strategic Investments – ‘Virtual Shovel-Ready’ Projects can have a transformative impact for businesses and local economies. Bricks and mortar projects will always matter. However, it is time for the government to equally prioritize digital infrastructure projects. The best way to support Canadian tech SMEs is with a contract, not grants.

Make future IT workforce development a top national priority – While the technology sector is poised to create many more high-quality jobs for Canadians, the ability for Canada’s tech businesses to fill those jobs will be a major challenge in a competitive national and global economy.

Adopt technology – The public sector is the biggest purchaser of IT goods and services in Canada, and governments have many challenges ahead as they adjust to the ‘new normal’ that can be tackled with technology solutions. Adopting technology, easing procurement processes, and making government buying more inclusive can transform public services and grow the national economy.

Provide incentives to support technology adoption across the economy; Canada’s firms are ready to help meet the challenges and opportunities of businesses across all sectors.

Confirmed Meetings:

James Cumming – Conservative / Official Opposition
Shadow Minister for COVID-19 Economic Recovery

Rachel Wernick, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Skills
and Employment Branch, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Mona Fortier, Associate Minister of Finance and Minister of
Middle Class Prosperity

Simon Kennedy, Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada (ISED)

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