Governments stand on the threshold of a transformative era. By integrating various data sources and harnessing advanced analytics, they can significantly amplify policy efficacy. Instead of generic policies, imagine the potential of bespoke strategies tailored to real, current needs. Winter 2023 // Canadian Government Executive / 11 KNOWING CANADIANS The Speed of Change and the Need for Responsiveness Previously, annual demographic trends sufficed. But today, with technological advancements, trends are captured quarterly, offering a closer, near-real-time view of changes. The pandemic only accelerated this evolution, compelling us to innovate and adapt at an unprecedented pace. This rapid data acquisition and processing isn’t just a luxury; it’s becoming essential. Governments stand on the threshold of a transformative era. By integrating various data sources and harnessing advanced analytics, they can significantly amplify policy efficacy. Instead of generic policies, imagine the potential of bespoke strategies tailored to real, current needs. Consider a scenario: Service Canada could leverage near real-time immigration insights so that when 10,339 permanent residents choose Halifax as their new home between April 2022 and March 2023, and over 4,000 of them are from India, such insights mean that services can be adapted to cater to the unique needs of these new citizens, leading to more efficient and effective program planning and service delivery. Or consider another scenario that empowers local governments to truly grasp the impact of remote work on downtown cores. As of June 2023, the downtown cores of Longueuil, Burnaby, Gatineau, and Calgary are still witnessing a 65% decline in return-tooffice numbers compared to January 2020. These crucial insights, derived from anonymized, de-identified mobile device observations, provide a granular understanding of urban behavior. As a result, economic and social revitalization programs can be developed for these affected downtown areas, leveraging a mix of consumption and psychographic data about local and visiting populations. The aim? To infuse life back into these neighbourhoods and districts, supporting local communities and small businesses, and creating vibrant urban centers once more. With the potential to revolutionize program development, service delivery, and overall governance, the integration of data is not just a suggestion—it’s an imperative. Canada, with its rich tapestry of cultures and its ever-evolving demographic landscape, requires an approach that’s as dynamic as its populace. Adopting a data-centric approach isn’t just about staying updated; it’s about future-proofing our governance for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. The true strength of the Canadian government lies in its ability to better understand and adapt its mechanisms to its people’s needs. Arming Canada’s government executives with refined, integrated, and privacycompliant data is not just beneficial, it’s essential. As we embark on this series centered on “Knowing Canadians,” future discussions will delve into Canadians’ perspectives on the environment, health, electric vehicles, and mobility. Embracing comprehensive data is not just the future; it’s the present imperative.
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