Contact-tracing app faces big technological problems in urban environments, studies say
A pair of research studies from June suggest there could be serious flaws in the COVID-19 exposure notification app promoted by Canada’s federal government. COVID Alert has been out for nearly one month and has been downloaded by some two million Canadians, according to a spokesperson for the Canadian Digital Service. The app, which is based […]
Feds must act now, or risk losing generation of entrepreneurs
With the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 on the horizon and borders restricted, federal and provincial governments have called for the establishment of domestic supply chains and doubled down on support for Canadian innovations, opening up new procurement opportunities and funding programs. While these efforts will help mid- and large-size companies survive, what […]
Feds must act now, or risk losing generation of entrepreneurs
With the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 on the horizon and borders restricted, federal and provincial governments have called for the establishment of domestic supply chains and doubled down on support for Canadian innovations, opening up new procurement opportunities and funding programs. While these efforts will help mid- and large-size companies survive, what […]
Tech sector eyes procurement as way to stimulate business
As Canada’s tech sector grapples with the fallout of COVID-19, more nimble federal procurement practices are being eyed as a lever to stimulate the sector’s recovery, particularly among small- and medium-sized businesses, and to drive innovation in the public and private sectors. The market Documents released to the House Standing Committee on Government Operations and […]
Acceleration of digital economy is central to Canada’s future
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial hardship for nations around the world, and despite quick actions by all orders of government to assist businesses, families, and individuals, Canada is no exception. Our economy is in recession, unemployment rates have touched record highs, and the federal government’s finances are under such strain that the national public […]
Successful U.A.E. launch of mission to Mars a symbol of hope when needed the most
With the world dealing with a global pandemic—and being faced with life and death issues like never before, the July 19 historic launch of the United Arab Emirates’ (U.A.E.) Hope Mission to Mars truly serves as a beacon of hope for all. The unmanned probe soared from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, headed on […]
Geopolitics, not national security, to be guiding factor in Huawei decision, say experts
As Canada is stuck between two feuding superpowers, its looming decision on whether to grant Huawei access to provide Canadian 5G equipment is no longer a decision that can be made chiefly based on domestic interests, say experts. The Canadian government is expected to restrict Huawei from its 5G network, as the U.S. has placed […]
Lack of privacy oversight could hurt buy-in for COVID contact-tracing app, say critics
As a new national app to help trace the contacts of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 prepares for a test rollout in Ontario, opposition MPs say it hasn’t been sufficiently scrutinized by the federal and provincial privacy commissioners and that Canada’s privacy laws don’t provide enough protection for users, which could lead to […]
It’s easy to see why U.S. Big Tech sees Canada as a happy hunting ground
TORONTO—Investment Canada boasts that “it continues to play an important role in encouraging investments from global companies.” But is this mission out of date? Much foreign investment in Canada today consists of Big Tech firms acquiring Canadian tech companies for their patents and other intellectual property and access to their talent, or in establishing R&D […]
Federal, provincial watchdogs still waiting for full privacy assessment on national contact-tracing app
The federal privacy commissioner says Health Canada only submitted documentation on the new voluntary national contact-tracing app to its office last Friday, June 19—a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the new app is set to roll out in Ontario on July 2. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner […]
