From internet prices to online privacy, digital policy shapes how Canadians connect, learn, work, and even vote. Yet most people see it as the domain of lobbyists, lawyers, and politicians. The truth is: citizens can influence digital policy — but only if we see ourselves as part of the process.
Ways Citizens Can Influence Policy
Public consultations: Governments often post draft policies online. Few people comment — but those who do can sway direction.
Petitions and campaigns: Coordinated public pressure has stopped telecom mergers and changed privacy rules.
Citizen assemblies: Some provinces and municipalities are experimenting with citizen panels on tech and democracy.
Everyday advocacy: Writing to MPs, city councillors, or regulators still matters more than most assume.
Canadian Context
CRTC hearings: Ordinary Canadians can file submissions on telecom pricing, net neutrality, and access issues.
Bill C-11 & C-18 debates: Public outcry helped reshape (and in some cases stall) elements of recent digital legislation.
Municipal projects: Local campaigns have influenced cities to adopt open data policies or pilot free public Wi-Fi.
Indigenous leadership: Advocacy has pushed for recognition of digital sovereignty in policy discussions.
The Challenges
Opaque systems: Consultations are often buried in jargon, making it hard for citizens to engage meaningfully.
Power imbalance: Corporate lobbyists have time, money, and access that ordinary people don’t.
Engagement fatigue: Policy cycles are long; public attention is short.
Representation gaps: Youth, rural voices, and marginalized groups are underrepresented in consultations.
The Opportunities
Digital tools for democracy: Platforms can lower the barrier to public participation.
Coalitions: Grassroots groups, nonprofits, and unions can amplify citizen voices.
Education: Making consultations and hearings more accessible can unlock wider input.
Global influence: Canadian citizens can also push international policy debates by engaging with NGOs and transnational forums.
The Bigger Picture
When citizens don’t participate, policy is shaped by those who show up — often corporate lobbyists. Building a culture of digital democracy means giving everyday Canadians confidence, tools, and channels to shape the rules of the online world.
The Question
What would make you more likely to participate in digital policy-making: clearer language, easier access to consultations, or stronger local organizing to amplify your voice?
Influencing Digital Policy as a Citizen
Why Digital Policy Matters to Everyone
From internet prices to online privacy, digital policy shapes how Canadians connect, learn, work, and even vote. Yet most people see it as the domain of lobbyists, lawyers, and politicians. The truth is: citizens can influence digital policy — but only if we see ourselves as part of the process.
Ways Citizens Can Influence Policy
Canadian Context
The Challenges
The Opportunities
The Bigger Picture
When citizens don’t participate, policy is shaped by those who show up — often corporate lobbyists. Building a culture of digital democracy means giving everyday Canadians confidence, tools, and channels to shape the rules of the online world.
The Question
What would make you more likely to participate in digital policy-making: clearer language, easier access to consultations, or stronger local organizing to amplify your voice?