Canadian Internet Registration Authority undertakes consultation program
By Adnews Staff
The Ottawa-based Canadian Internet Registration Authority is conducting a national series of six consultations intended to determine how Canadians view the role of the Internet in their lives and the economy. During November, consultations will take place in Winnipeg, Halifax, Iqaluit, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. They will address issues such as broadband access, cyber-crime, security, innovation, competitiveness, privacy, identity, social media, social cohesion and ethics. The organization will conduct this program in association with the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Media Awareness Network. The process will conclude with a national event in Ottawa in early 2011 during which the results will be presented and discussed. The resulting white paper will be presented to the international Internet Governance Forum, a United Nations entity for the discussion of Internet-related issues. "A Canadian Internet forum will really allow us to take the pulse of Canadians with regard to how the Internet is run in Canada and around the world," said Byron Holland, President and CEO of CIRA. "By taking a broad-based, multi-sectoral approach, we will be able to chart the future of the Internet in Canada for years to come."