Welcome to the 67th issue of the Digital Policy Salon newsletter.

This week we’re featuring an overview of our research into the electric vehicle industry in Quebec, as well as an interview with a professional start-up coach who offers advice to new companies looking for investment and establishing their first board. Meanwhile, our policy updates highlight new legislation impacting the technology sector, including long-awaited privacy measures.

Are you a reader in Alberta? We’re also working to get the word out about two in-person events happening in Edmonton next week: scroll down to check out these meetups for an opportunity to talk about improving diversity and equity in the labour market after COVID-19, and get in touch if you have any interest in partnering for these or future events. Last but not least, don’t forget to read to the bottom for opportunities to work with us at ICTC.

- Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)

High interest rates, inflation, and the risk of a prolonged economic downturn are putting increased pressure on investors and investor-backed companies to “protect their capital” through hiring freezes and layoffs. Simultaneously, companies and investors are reporting it is harder to raise capital now than it has been over the last ten years. Last quarter, the CVCA reported that “while investment value remained on par with 2021 levels, the VC deal count in Q1 experienced the third consecutive quarter-over-quarter decline.”

Earlier this month, the Government of Quebec passed Bill 96, which was first tabled in May 2021 and introduces significant changes to the Charter of the French Language. Among other things, Bill 96 requires all communications to employees to be conducted in French, including offers of employment or promotion and training materials. It also compels businesses to make all job postings available in French and strictly regulates when new hires can be required to know a language other than French. Over the last year, tech companies have voiced concern that Bill 96 will make it harder for them to recruit talent in an already tight labour market, and make it more difficult to attract workers internationally. 

On Wednesday this week, the Minster of Innovation, Science, and Industry introduced several long-awaited pieces of legislation, including legislation governing privacy, consumer protection, and artificial intelligence. More information about the Bill, entitled “An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts,” will be released in the coming week.

Conservation and agricultural leaders are pushing for Canada’s agricultural sector to commit to scaling climate-resilient practices and nature-based solutions. In May, six leading agricultural organizations asked the government to focus on four areas in its upcoming policy framework for the agricultural sector: climate change, preserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable practices, and increasing resiliency on Canada’s farms and ranches. The federal, provincial, and territorial governments are currently developing the Next Agricultural Policy Framework, which will replace the Canadian Agricultural Partnership in March 2023. -Mairead Matthews

The vast majority of ICTC roles can be performed remotely. Consider applying even if you are not in the municipality listed.