Data Access Pillar

(Français: Pilier de l'accès aux données)

Data Access Pillar

The data access pillar is one of the 6 pillars of the ISED data Strategy Data access is the building block for leveraging existing information to improve decision-making and service delivery, as well as for accelerating partnerships within the department and between all levels of government. ISED data holdings must be discoverable, usable, and shareable. This includes the need to develop a common consent statement for sharing to facilitate greater future access and interoperability across different data holdings.

Data Access Initiatives

Create the ISED Data Catalogue:

The ISED Data Catalogue is an inventory of several types of data assets from within the department that is easily searchable and accessible for users. The ISED Data Catalogue currently holds over 400 assets ranging from internal and external data, numeric and non-numeric data, databases, and many more. Whether you are a data scientist, policy analyst, economist, manager, or executive, strategically leveraging data is critical to making informed decisions, designing better programs, and delivering

Develop a Common consent statement:

To allow for the sharing of information, interactions between ISED and individuals/businesses typically must contain a consent statement. Some examples of these interactions are application/intake forms, contribution agreements, and memorandums of understanding.

Examine data sharing agreements:

Review third-party sharing agreements across department to determine opportunities to streamline.

Making ISED Data Open by Default

Within ISED, over 400 data holdings are gathered on a regular basis. The value and usefulness of these data may extend beyond the original purpose of data collection/generation. The use, re-use and repurposing of these data can help:

• Improve Decision-Making
• Design Better Programs
• Deliver more effective services to Canadians and Canadian Businesses

Enabling the strategic access and use of these data means reducing or eliminating barriers.

Barriers to Data Use and Sharing

• Lack of knowledge of data holdings
• Lack of documentation on data assets
• Lack of awareness that data could be useful to others
• Reticence to share outside business units
• Legal constraints

How to Reduce or Eliminate Barriers? Make Data Discoverable and Usable

• ISED Data Catalogue
• Creation and Maintenance of Metadata

Build Awareness

• Learning Events
• Data Literacy

Make Data Shareable

• Review existing agreements
• Develop common consent statement