From Digital Adoption to the Digital Divide: The CBPP Hosts Josie Brocca, Director General at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Posted in News
On November 19, the CBPP welcomed Josie Brocca, Director General at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, who delivered an insightful and comprehensive presentation, From Digital Adoption to the Digital Divide: A Policy Journey, shedding light on Canada’s digital evolution and its ongoing efforts to address connectivity challenges. The event explored Canada’s pioneering role in digital policy, tracing a historical trajectory from the foundational work of the Information Highway Advisory Council in the 1990s to modern strategies addressing the digital divide in the age of AI.
Brocca highlighted critical milestones, including the launch of Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, which aims to provide 98% of Canadian households with high-speed internet by 2026. The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), a cornerstone of these efforts, has invested over $7.6 billion in broadband initiatives since 2015, targeting underserved communities across the country. Brocca underscored how these investments are being allocated equitably between large internet service providers and smaller, community-focused organizations, including Indigenous groups.
The presentation also examined the challenges and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital adoption. With SMEs comprising 97.8% of Canadian businesses, Brocca emphasized the need for tailored support programs like the Digital Adoption Program, which provides grants, loans, and training to help businesses integrate cutting-edge technologies. These efforts aim to equip SMEs with the tools needed to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized and digitized marketplace.
Brocca also addressed the broader societal implications of digital transformation, such as ensuring digital inclusion and building trust in technology. She discussed how programs like the Going Digital Toolkit and initiatives under the Cancún Declaration aim to foster inclusive growth, bridge systemic gaps, and strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in the digital economy.
Attendees from the McDonough School of Business praised the session for its depth and relevance, leaving with a greater appreciation for the importance of strategic, inclusive policymaking to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are shared equitably across sectors and communities.
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