Industry Minister Tony Clement told the House of Commons' industry committee this week his long-awaited digital economy strategy will be released this spring. However, that depends on the game of chicken opposition parties are playing on the federal budget. If the Harper government is defeated, that would trigger a federal election. Clement could — and likely would — release the plan during the campaign, but his ability to implement it would be blunted.
The Liberals and Bloc Quebecois have suggested they won't support the government, but that's their job as opposition parties. It isn't clear whether they are bluffing or negotiating for some concessions in the budget.
Last year Clement called for ideas from the public on what a national digital strategy should look like, and got a number of inventive responses.
While Canadian businesses would welcome the government moving on a digitial strategy, it might be interesting to see the issue debated in a national campaign. One the other hand, I think the economy will dominate all other issues.
