Canada backs anti-corruption campaign launched by John

The 2019 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit in Ottawa—the first ever held in Canada—officially wrapped up today (Thursday, 30th May). Over its three days, more than 2,000 government officials, civil society members and citizens from more than 100 countries gathered as the OGP met in 100 separate sessions addressing how governments around the world are grappling with the new norms of digital democracy, as well as actions to restore public trust, protect privacy and battle disinformation.

“Open government is good government—especially in the new digital commons,” remarked the Honourable Joyce Murray, Presiden of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government. “Canada is proud to have hosted the world in Ottawa for honest, timely and important conversations about protecting participation, advancing inclusion and widening the impact of open government.”

“Inclusive government is better government,” added Nathaniel Heller, co-chair of the Open Government Partnership and Executive Vice President of Results for Development. “When we take the time to get outside of government office buildings and capital cities to have meaningful conversations with more of our neighbors and fellow citizens, important insights emerge that drive reforms that touch people’s lives.”

Standing alongside like-minded Partnership members, Canada also endorsed a campaign launched by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom’s Anti-Corruption Champion and Minister of State for Northern Ireland, John Penrose, to improve beneficial ownership transparency.