GATINEAU, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Digital Identity Laboratory of Canada (“the IDLab”) is pleased to announce the reception of several grants from public and private sectors, including a 1.5M$ non-repayable contribution from Canada Economic Development for the Regions of Quebec. Accenture, Deloitte, Interac Corp. and KPMG are the newest thought leaders and founding sponsors supporting the mission of the IDLab. Other founding members and partners include Quebec government, Converge Technology Solutions, EQ bank, Sagard Holdings and the city of Gatineau.
Founded in February 2020, the IDLab is Canada’s only independent and neutral organization that promotes the compliance of and interoperability between digital ID solutions across public and private sectors. The IDLab is bridging a crucial gap in the advancement of Canada’s digital trust ecosystem by breaking down technology barriers to digital ID adoption.
The $1.5M financial assistance from the Government of Canada was announced earlier today by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec). The Government of Canada assistance will further anchor the interoperability advancement, knowledge, jobs, infrastructure and other benefits associated with the IDLab in the future Gatineau Cyber Security Innovation Zone for years to come.
“Digital trust is more important than ever. The endorsement and financial support announced today will help us accelerate our contribution to the advancement and the promotion of interoperable and privacy respecting digital ID solutions” said Pierre Roberge, founder and general manager of the Digital Identity Laboratory.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is proud to recognize and support businesses and organizations in sectors of activity that are a source of pride and good jobs in their communities. That is why we are providing our support to Quebec’s regions, such as here in the Outaouais, where the cybersecurity sector is buzzing with activity. Through our support for the Digital Identity Laboratory of Canada we are helping businesses to protect themselves against cyberthreats and to better position themselves in relation to global competition.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED
“The Government of Canada recognizes the need to intervene based on the strengths and assets present in each region. As such, CED’s support for the Digital Identity Laboratory of Canada, the Cégep de l’Outaouais and In-Sec-M will enable our region to position itself at an advantage to participate in the coming recovery.”
Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull–Aylmer and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and the Minister of Digital Government
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that our government is fostering growth for all by strengthening the entrepreneurial fabric in the Outaouais and right across Canada. I am delighted with CED’s support for the Digital Identity Laboratory of Canada whose projects will translate into good jobs here at home, in addition to reinforcing Gatineau’s position as an innovative leader in the global cybersecurity ecosystem.”
Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
“Cybersecurity controls for small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly important in the digital economy. By obtaining relevant certifications, Canadian businesses will improve their competitive advantage by reassuring their clients, partners, investors and suppliers of the security of the valuable information they provide. Canadian businesses will thus be better placed to support international competitiveness, access new markets, develop and create good, well-paying jobs.”
William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Science)
“We're excited to be part of an initiative that is key to helping enable trusted digital identity in Canada and unlocking the full potential of our country's digital economy," says Imraan Bashir, Partner & National Public Sector Cyber Leader, KPMG in Canada. "KPMG joining the Digital ID Lab demonstrates our commitment to support a robust pan-Canadian ecosystem that will prioritize security, privacy and interoperability for the benefit of all Canadians.”
“Interac is pleased to support the Digital Identity Laboratory in its effort to advance the principles of openness and transparency for digital ID in Canada. By bringing together the public and private sectors and building digital ID with sound governance in mind, we can ensure Canadians benefit from trusted and secure digital ID experiences that enable and support new opportunities in the digital economy.” Debbie Gamble, Chief Officer Innovation Labs and New Ventures.
“We believe that a strong Digital Identity ecosystem is critical to unlocking the digital economy in a way that both drives economic growth and protects Canadians’ privacy. We are proud to work with the IDLab to promote interoperability, reduce technological barriers, and accelerate adoption of these exciting digital solutions” – Esther Dryburgh, Digital Identity Lead at Deloitte.
Iliana Oris Valiente, Canada Innovation Lead at Accenture says, “A citizen-centric, interoperable, digital identity is the key to unlock significant value for all Canadians. Accenture is pleased to be a founding partner of the IDLab and continue to be an active contributor to building this ecosystem.”
About the Digital Identity Laboratory of Canada
The IDLab is an independent non-profit entity dedicated to advancing digital trust by breaking down technology barriers to digital ID adoption. The IDLab promotes technical conformity and interoperability of user-centric digital identity solutions. The IDLab is not an incubator and does not develop or sell digital identity solutions. For more information, please visit www.idlab.org.
