‘Technology is transforming the world’: Alberta Minister of Technology

Saturday is Data Privacy Day (DPD), and Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, Nate Glubish, says “Technology is transforming the world and government must keep up.”

He adds, in a statement, privacy should be a top priority.

“Keeping the data of Albertans safe and secure will remain our number one priority as Alberta’s government continues to work to modernize government services, so they are better, faster and smarter.”

He also says technology has been an integral part in today’s digital world.

“Albertans are increasingly reliant on technology in their everyday lives. It is an essential part of how we connect, communicate, and do business,” said Glubish. “As technology has a growing impact on our daily lives, Alberta must be proactive, both to modernize government service delivery, and to protect Albertans’ privacy in a digital world.”

He adds Alberta has its own private sector privacy law, marking it a leader in privacy legislation.

Meanwhile, he says, there are many benefits associated with technology and innovation, including the health care system and attracting investment.

“I have seen how data-driven innovations solve problems in new and exciting ways in business, public services and healthcare,” he said. “For example, in the United Kingdom, responsible use of data is improving healthcare delivery, therapeutic discovery, and patient outcomes,” said Glubish.

Modernizing Alberta’s privacy

However, modernizing Alberta’s privacy legislation can help people enjoy those benefits, but should be done carefully.

“In order to strengthen privacy protections and build trust, there are 2 practices that must be employed: privacy-by-design, and ethics-by-design. To most Albertans, these are likely new terms, but in world of technology, they are the gold standard for innovation,” Glubish explained. “If we get that right, Albertans will have some of the best privacy protections in the country.”

DPD is an international day that focuses on reminding people of the strong impact digital technology has on their privacy in Canada and across the world.