Tony Clement, Canada’s Industry Minister, wants input from the public as part of a nationwide consultation on Canada's digital economy intended to inform a government action plan, due out in late 2011.

Saying that Canada is in “the middle of the pack” in adopting a digital economy plan, Mr Clement said the public sessions will be at various locations across the country, as well as online, and will conclude on July 9, 2010.  This is expected to lead up to the announcement of an action plan or digital strategy sometime near the end of 2011.

Speaking at the Canada 3.0 Digital Forum in Stratford, Ont., Minister Clement asserted that all Canadians have a role to play in shaping Canada's digital future, and that it is crucial for everyone to become engaged.

Clement says he wants to build a consensus between the general public, the private and public sectors, and academia. He also confirmed that the government plans to introduce new privacy, copyright, and anti-spam and legislation.

The discussion document that has been developed to support feedback for the action plan is broken into five sections, each with its own discussion questions: innovation, infrastructure, information and communications technology, digital media, and digital skills.