CCI Statement on Ontario’s Digital ID Announcement

Today, the Ontario Government announced a phased approach to introducing digital identity credentials, starting with the Ontario Photo Card. In response CCI's Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, Skaidra Puodziunas delivered the following statement:

“A trusted secure unique digital ID can make it easier for people and businesses to access public services, while creating new opportunities for Canadian technology companies to contribute to this essential digital infrastructure. CCI has been advocating for Ontario to get digital identity right since 2021, and we’re pleased to see the government open public consultations ahead of forthcoming legislation.

“The choices Ontario makes about standards, system design and procurement will shape this opportunity for years to come. As consultations begin, I hope the government will engage Ontarians and domestic innovators early, and build a system with strong privacy and security protections that is open, interoperable and works for stakeholders.

“Ultimately, we will judge the success of this initiative by whether it earns Ontarians’ trust and whether Canadian companies have a genuine opportunity to help build, shape the standards and supply the system. Ontario can improve public services while strengthening its digital capabilities, helping homegrown companies scale and creating high-quality jobs. We look forward to contributing our members’ expertise to the consultation.”

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Media Contact

Lisa Brody Hoffman
Director of Communications
‍lhoffman@canadianinnovators.org