Canadian Culture Online Policy

The Canadian Culture Online Policy group works with the Program group, other sectors of the Department of Canadian Heritage, other Government departments and agencies and private sector stakeholders to develop policies, strategies and programs that serve the online needs of Canadians. Policy work related to Canadian Culture Online includes such issues as:

• Ensuring a balance of content in both official languages;
• Ensuring that the content developed is consistent with commonly used standards associated with the Internet;
• Ensuring that copyrights can be respected in the online environment, while facilitating the creation and use of content;
• Encouraging the development of a strong, vibrant Canadian new media industry, including assisting in the development of sustainable business models;
• Fostering research and development in the area of online content; and
• Focusing on social issues such as contributing to closing the digital divide and promoting a safe environment for children on the Internet.

To ensure that the needs of stakeholders and citizens are always taken into account in all policy work, Canadian Culture Online Policy consults regularly with representative groups. Additionally, this group provides support to the Canadian Culture Online National Advisory Board.

(See: Canadian Culture Online Strategic Statement)