Mississauga, ON (November 24, 2021) – TECHNATION, Canada’s leading technology association, was disappointed that technology investment and issues were not covered in the Throne Speech that primarily focused on the environment, economic recovery, and the continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Technology and tech adoption are core components in the fight against climate change, and key drivers for Canada’s economic recovery from the pandemic. In addition, the global pandemic has proven the need for continued – and increased investments in health tech and health data systems.
TECHNATION and its members are calling on the Government of Canada to work collaboratively with industry on priority issues like updating the Broadcasting Act and identifying solutions to combat online harms. We also strongly encourage the Government to develop and introduce legislative mechanisms to implement Pillars 1 and 2 of the recent OECD agreement on international taxation.
We are pleased to see the government promising to increase immigration levels and reduce wait times, while delivering a world-leading refugee resettlement program. TECHNATION recently partnered with Talent Beyond Boundaries to match skilled refugees with companies that need jobs filled today. This initiative, supported by our tech sector leaders, helps integrate refugees into the workforce and at the same time assist with Canada’s tech talent shortage.
In late October, just days before Cabinet was announced, TECHNATION released the Roadmap for Sustained Growth in Canada’s Tech Sector highlighting four focus areas that government must address to help the tech sector drive Canada’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The Roadmap was shared with Prime Minister Trudeau, Leaders of the Opposition, and key Cabinet Ministers on tech files. As mandate letters are released, we look forward to continuing our work with government leaders on strategies that will combine Canada’s digital transformation agenda with an economic development agenda, supported by Canada’s innovative technology businesses that are creating the jobs of today, and tomorrow.
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About TECHNATION
TECHNATION is the authoritative national voice for Canada’s $230 billion information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Canada’s 44,000 ICT firms directly and indirectly generate over 1.2 million jobs in Canada. The ICT industry in Canada also creates and supplies goods and services that contribute to a more productive, competitive, and innovative economy and society. Our membership ranges from large multinational platforms, to leading Canadian internet-service providers (ISP) to cutting edge domestic tech companies.
For over 60 years TECHNATION, formerly the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC), has been the industry-government nexus for technology prosperity in Canada. As a member-driven, not-for-profit, vendor-neutral TECHNATION unites Canada’s technology sector, governments, and communities to enable technology prosperity from coast to coast. Our top ten largest companies collectively employ over 92,000 Canadians in every region of the country.
Media Contact:
Sarah Coombs
416-729-8550