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Ottawa, March 29, 2001
2001-033

Technology as a Means to Improve Governance and Democracy

Governments must use new technologies, such as the Internet, to empower citizens and provide them with a greater ability to scrutinize and influence government decisions and actions, Finance Minister Paul Martin said today in a speech to the Crossing Boundaries National Conference on e-government in Ottawa.

"Governments are only truly connected if they respond to the changing needs and views of the people they serve," Minister Martin said.

Minister Martin noted that Canadians are among the world’s most active and e-franchised citizens. This presents a challenge for all levels of government to use leading-edge technologies to provide services and information to a growing number of on-line consumers. At the same time, these technologies must ensure the accountability of governments to the people who elect them and provide transparency in the process that leads to decisions.

Minister Martin also unveiled the new redesigned Web site for the Department of Finance (www.fin.gc.ca), which includes a number of new features and services. The new site is part of the Government’s commitment to become a model user of information technology and the Internet.

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