Good morning subscribers!
More than ever, technology rules our lives – but as any SPPG student knows to ask, what are the policy implications? We’ve collected several articles this week exploring emerging paradigms in tech and digital governance, and what they may mean for Canadian policy-makers and citizens alike.
This week’s Morning Brief was prepared by Katerina. Sign up here to receive the Morning Brief directly to your inbox.
Policy and Tech
- A smart city is one that uses available and intelligent technology to build a strong relationship between citizens and their local government. But what does a smart city require, and what might it look like in practice? Anna-Kay Russell reports on a panel devoted to the topic. [Russell/PPGR]
- Why can’t we interact with our governments online like we interact with our favourite companies? David Eaves, a leading expert in the intersection of technology and government, explored this question and more as part of a recent panel discussion hosted by SPPG. Breanne Bateman has the scoop: [Bateman/PPGR]
- You may think Bitcoin is just for tech bros, but it’s now caught the Bank of Canada’s attention. With Bitcoin high in demand and low in supply, Canadian investors are keenly interested in companies that deal with the technology that handles this digital currency. Is it time for Canada’s central bank to get involved? [Bickis/The Star]
- Social media was set ablaze in late November after the United States’ Federal Communications Commission announced its intention to repeal net neutrality laws in the country. While federal leadership has strongly advocated for net neutrality in Canada, some argue that more has to be done. [Lewis/The Star]
- Urban innovation start-up Sidewalk Labs – owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company – has partnered with the City of Toronto to develop a new neighborhood in the eastern waterfront area. How might the tech giant work to make Toronto a smart city? Sarah Barns offers several predictions based on a long history of similar efforts. [Barns/Salon]
As you read this on your phone, tablet, laptop or good old-fashioned desktop, we hope we’ve sparked your interest in the intersection between technology and government. The next Morning Brief will land in your inbox on December 13. As they say in binary, 01100010 01111001 01100101!
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