The role of data governance is to ensure that data is used properly, both to avoid introducing data errors into systems and to prevent the misuse of personal data. Data governance is also important for Canadian companies that need to comply with regulatory compliance initiatives, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (see section below).

Although other countries have been quick to support initiatives such as data trusts, Canada has been slower to move into this sector. But in 2019, SCC established the Canadian Data Governance Standardization Collaborative to accelerate the development of industry-wide data governance standardization strategies. Made up of 220 Canadians from across government, industry, civil society, Indigenous organizations, academia, and standards development organizations, it is identifying the standards, specifications and conformity assessment solutions needed to support Canada’s data governance capabilities.

During the first two years of its existence, the collaborative worked to build the Canadian Data Governance Standardization Roadmap, to tackle the challenging standardization and data governance questions facing our country. The roadmap provides an overview of the current and desired Canadian standardization landscape and makes 35 recommendations to address gaps and identify new areas where standards and conformity assessment are needed. The solutions identified in the roadmap will help build a safer and more secure digital infrastructure founded on quality, trust and ethics.

Not only will this work help to protect data in the future, but it will also provide social and economic value by securing Canada’s place as a leader in data innovation. It will also enhance Canadians’ security by supporting increased interoperability, reduced uncertainty, and updated ethical use and protection of data. Standards can help play a role in building that trust so that Canadians can participate in the digital economy knowing that their information is being protected.