Riley Information Services

What's New

Seminar Update - Please note that this seminar has been cancelled

THE FUTURE OF PRIVACY: What’s Next?
A one day Seminar

WHEN: April 28, 2009
WHERE: Cartier Suites Hotel, 180 Cooper Street, Ottawa Map

“The personal life of every individual is based on secrecy, and perhaps it is partly for that reason that civilized man is so nervously anxious that personal privacy should be respected." Anton Chekhov.

In many countries of the world in the last few decades, privacy has come to be cherished as an invaluable and inalienable human right, inherent in a free and democratic society. Privacy legislation endows the individual with certain rights and responsibilities, and establishes rules and guidelines for the ways in which public and private sector organizations are allowed to handle the personal information collected on individuals and groups in society. Individuals have the expectation that many areas of their lives are private and not subject to prying eyes of government or the public. There is an understanding by most individuals that parts of their lives are germane to themselves alone and that there is a certain barrier built around them to allow in only those people with whom they want to share their personal lives and their personal information.

Endemic to all privacy laws are a set of fair information practices that set the boundaries for protection of the individual while also allowing a certain latitude for organizations to use personal information when necessary and allowed by law. Privacy laws, those who administer them, and a public who value their own privacy and speak out against potential abuses of these laws, are essential. In light of the more recent emphasis on security, what are the situations that trump privacy? How can security issues impact on privacy laws?

Details here Update - Please note that this seminar has been cancelled.

Seminar

This one day seminar was presented in Ottawa on October 21, 2008.

Access to Information: Twenty-Five Years On
A one day Seminar

“The purpose of the Access to Information Act is to extend the present laws of Canada to provide a right of access to information in records under the control of a government institution in accordance with the principles that government information should be available to the public, that necessary exceptions to the right of access should be limited and specific and that decisions on the disclosure of government information should be reviewed independently of government.”

Detailed information and select documentation highlights of the seminar are available on the seminar reports page here

The Riley Report

The Riley Report ... monthly commentary on IT policies and practices by Thomas B. Riley.

The latest Report: Openness vs. Privacy: What are the Tensions?

Overview

This month's report assesses the issue of openness in our society through the use of freedom of information laws vs. privacy laws which give citizens the right to access their personal information held in government databanks. Each of these principles can be considered part of our inalienable human rights in democratic and free societies.

Click here to read the full Riley Report

Seminar

Privacy, Security and Technology – Affirming Our Rights
A one day Seminar

This one day seminar was presented in Ottawa on Monday, March 31, 2008

The focus of this privacy seminar is on the issues of security and technology and how they impact or enhance current privacy issues. These issues are directly related to the federal Privacy Act and accentuate the need for change by Parliament to take into account the major changes technologies and security are having on our privacy. Privacy laws are the walls that protect individuals against a possibly intrusive society. These laws have met, to some degree, the expectations of protection from outside sources using one’s personal information. In our growing surveillance society the walls between the private and the public are beginning to crumble. More and more organizations, governments included, now know more about individuals than ever before in history.

Detailed information and select documentation highlights of the seminar are available on the seminar reports page here

Seminar

The 2nd Annual E-Gov Forum 2008

Utilising ICT for a more effective, efficient and inclusive governance

Date:         4th-6th March
Location:   Kampala, Uganda.

Event details are available here:   www.events.cto.int/egov08

Seminar

Access to Information: The Next Challenges

This one day seminar was presented in Ottawa on September 24, 2007.

The Federal Access to Information Act has been in operation for twenty-four years. During that time there have been two major reviews of the legislation, and calls for change from practitioners, access advocates, business groups, academics and journalists who are concerned about the legislation as it stands. Last year the government put forth extensive amendments to the Access to Information Act (ATIA) as part of the Federal Accountability Act. The amendments to the ATIA included extending the law to all parent Crown Corporations and their wholly owned subsidiaries, agents of Parliament, and five foundations. The agents of Parliament and foundations came under the Act on April 1, 2007 and the Crown corporations and subsidiaries will come under the law as of September 1.

Detailed information and select documentation highlights of the seminar are available on the seminar reports page here

Certificate Course on Alternate Dispute Resolution

Providence, Guyana

5th and 6th November 2007

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) invites you to a 2-day certificate course on Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) to learn the key skills to manage disputes that will be held in Providence, Guyana on 5th and 6th November 2007 at Buddy’s International Hotel jointly organised with the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OCCUR). Register soon as only a limited number of places are available. For more information and registrations either check the Events link on our website at www.cto.int or contact Lasantha De Alwis Email: L.Dealwis@cto.int , Tel: +44 208 834 1570 or Fax: +44 870 034 5626

Using ICT for Effective Disaster Management

13th – 15th November 2007

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Following its successful delivery of three regional Using ICT for Effective Disaster Management Fora in Sri Lanka, Jamaica and Fiji, the CTO will hold the fourth of this series of workshops in Tanzania from 13th to 15th November 2007. Delegates will spend two days of interactions with knowledge leaders from around the world followed by half a day of deliberations to build a Logical Frame on the use of ICTs for effective disaster management focusing on Africa. This is an opportunity to exchange knowledge and build links with similar interest groups. It is also an opportunity to showcase achievements, competencies and expertise in managing effects of disasters. We particularly welcome innovative technologies that support disaster management to exhibit at the event. At the end of this workshop delegates would have had an opportunity to assess options and devise strategies on how best to tackle all phases of disasters, starting from preparedness to reconstruction. For more information about the speaking, attending and exhibiting at this workshop, either check the Events link on our website at www.cto.int or contact Mr. Kojo Boakye, Deputy Programme Manager on Email: k.boakye@aol.com , Tel: +44 208 834 1567 or Fax: +44 870 034 5626

Connecting Rural Communities Africa 2007

Bridging the digital divide through sustainable ICT connectivity

When: August 21st to 24th
Location: The Grand Regency Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya

This international event will bring together African government officials, senior figures from African regulatory authorities and international ICT experts who are leading the private sector connectivity drive to discuss key challenges, opportunities and benefits of connecting rural Africa. www.events.cto.int/crcafrica07

Riley Information Services is listed on UNESCO's Observatory on the Information Society. Monitoring the Development of the Information Society towards Knowledge Societies

Seminar:
Assessing Current Privacy Issues

This one day seminar was presented in Ottawa on February 21, 2007.

Privacy is now considered one of society's most important values. The Federal Privacy Act has been in operation for twenty-three years. During this time span no legislative changes have been made to the law. Arguments are being out forth by the Privacy Commissioner and privacy experts that, given the changing climate in society, especially with the evolution of new technologies and the ease with which people can steal other people's identities or their personal information, changes to the law are needed. Detailed information and select documentation highlights of the seminar are available on the seminar reports page here

Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 2007

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation announced this week the dates for its forthcoming conference on the migration of broadcasting transmission from analogue to digital. Hosted by ICASA (the South African Telecoms Regulator) and partnered by the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, the event will draw on informed experience and case studies from across the African continent to provide delegates with a complete spectrum of viewpoints on this crucial topic. Detailed information here

Connecting Rural Communities Africa 2006

With the rapid projected development of rural communications in developing countries there has never been a greater opportunity for ICT companies to stake their claim in this lucrative market in support of which the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation will be holding a series of events around the globe. The first was held in India in February 2006 and the second is due to be held in Abuja, Nigeria from 10th to 12th October 2006. Please use the following link to access the website for more information and registration www.cto.int/crcafrica06

Seminar:
Access to Information: Managing Reform and Change

This two day seminar was presented in Ottawa on September 25 and 26, 2006 entitled: Access to Information: Managing Reform and Change. This two-day conference was part of the Right to Know Week, inspired by Canada’s federal and provincial information and privacy commissioners across Canada. Provincial Commissioners and other organizations will be holding similar events across the country. Detailed information and select documentation highlights of the seminar are available on the seminar reports page here

Seminar:
e-Government Performance Measurement

Riley Information Services Inc. and Hillwatch Inc. offered a two day seminar and training workshop on May 1st and 2nd, 2006, entitled "e-Government Performance Measurement". To read the complete brochure please click here.

To register online for the two day seminar and training workshop click here. (registration closed)

Information Highways Conference 2006 seminar:

E-government Practices: Assessing the Present for a Better Future

February 2006, Riley Report is an announcement of an upcoming seminar "E-government Practices: Assessing the Present for a Better Future" moderated by Thomas Riley on Thursday March 30, 2006, at the upcoming annual "Information Highways Conference" in Toronto which runs from March 28 to March 30. Click here for the Riley Report

Connecting Rural Communities Conference 2006

With the rapid projected development of rural communications in countries including India and China there has never been a greater opportunity for ICT companies to stake their claim on this lucrative market. This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the ICT industry in central and South East Asia. This conference is taking place in India from the 28th January till 2nd February.

Please use the following link to access the website regarding the above conference. www.cto.int/rural06

Research Paper

E-Privacy, Anonymity and Public Spaces: What is this all about? (November 2005)

We are experiencing significant cultural change in societies around the world due to the increasing number of new information and communication technologies coming into the marketplace. These innovations are altering the way we communicate and interact with each other in public spaces. These changes could have significant impacts on our understanding of privacy and the ability to remain anonymous.

Click here to access the document

Research Paper

E-Governance Comes of Age in the Commonwealth (October 2005)

This paper explores the current theory regarding e-government and best practices in Government for the usage and implementation of information and communication technologies in government and other organizations. It also explores the relevance and recent evolution of e-governance to organizations. The paper addresses the necessity for organizations to apply crucial principles to ensure good governance

Click here to access the document

Highlights from the September 8, 2005 seminar

Access to Information: Analyzing the State of the Law
A One Day Seminar and Training Session

Date: Friday, September 8, 2005
Location: Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa

The Federal Access to Information Act has now been in operation for twenty-two years. Since its inception there have been two major reviews of the legislation. There have been calls for change from practitioners, access advocates, academics and journalists who are concerned about the legislation as it now stands. This seminar will look at the issues driving freedom of information in Canada. There will be a diversity of speakers from the private sector, government and oversight offices from the federal and provincial levels, bringing users and the access community together and creating an opportunity for dialogue and exchange between the speakers and the delegates.

Changes in security legislation and policies have impacted on the Access Act, as have privacy rights. Information and communication technologies are transforming the way in which we access and use information. How are all these trends converging and what are the implications for access coordinators and professionals in the field?

Speakers will explore media issues involving both federal and provincial access to information laws and practices, while others will examine the efficacy of the law and where changes are needed. Target audiences for this event are federal and provincial access to information commissioners and their staffs, policy makers, departmental offices within the public service, and users of access laws, including businesses, associations and the media.

See the Seminar Reports page for documentation highlights.

Research Paper

A REPOSITORY FOR E-GOVERNMENT KNOWLEDGE SHARING:
WHY IT IS NEEDED? (July 2005)

This paper examines the need for governments to build e-government knowledge sharing repositories. It is important for government agencies to understand the past and how this modern discipline of e-Governance, e-government and e-democracy evolved. Knowledge sharing of lessons learned is an important process for government. This paper articulates a strategy on how a knowledge sharing of e-government lessons and experiences can be achieved. Canada, a continuing number one leader in e-government, is the model used for the paper. click here

Research Paper

The Roadmap to e-Governance Implementation: Selected Perspectives by Rogers W'O Okot-Uma, Vice-Chair, Commonwealth Centre for e-Governance (January 2005)

This second paper by our guest author is the result of the lessons of experience he has accumulated over a period of more than 10 years in the conceptualization and implementation of e-Governance and e-Strategy projects in developing countries of Africa, the Caribbean and Asia/Pacific. The article effectively and cogently reduces the concepts of the paper to a simple and readable series of what-to-do policy-oriented initiatives what in the real world of public service reform is an otherwise complex, uncharted enterprise. Though presented in what appears to be clinical in nature, the core of the article is representative of years of perceived good practice in e-Governance implementation. The author Rogers WO Okot-Uma is an Independent governance Adviser affiliated to the Commonwealth Informatics Resources, London, and formerly Chief Programme Officer, Informatics, at the Commonwealth Secretariat. click here

Highlights from the September 17, 2004 seminar

HEALTH INFORMATION PRIVACY:
DIALOGUE WITH THE HEALTH COMMUNITY
A One Day Seminar and Training Session

Date: Friday, September 17, 2004
Location: Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa

Many provinces are developing health privacy laws. Ontario's Health Information Protection Act, 2004 has been passed by the provincial legislature, given Royal Assent, and comes into effect on November 1st., 2004.

There are a multitude of issues arising in the field of health privacy, which will be discussed and debated by Privacy Commissioners, privacy experts and health professionals in this one-day seminar. The issues of consent, patient access to records, what medical doctors can and cannot do under the new law, the question of fund raising, how research information can or cannot be used if an individual's name can be determined, are just of few of the issues that are the subject of intense debate.

The afternoon sessions will deal specifically with the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act. This seminar is a must for health professionals, associations, chiropractors, physiotherapists, government personnel, health care practitioners and any organization in the medical field.

See the Seminar Reports page for documentation highlights.

Papers

E-Government: The Digital Divide and Information Sharing: Examining the Issues July 2004

This is the seventh in a series of reports assessing international developments in the policies and public administration issues now driving e-government and e-governance. This paper addresses two key issues relevant to the evolution of e-government: information sharing and the digital divide in developed countries. click here

e-Democracy Seminar Report, Brussels

This Report is an overview of a two day seminar in Brussels, February 12 and 13, 2004, on e-Democracy organized by the eGov unit of the Information Society Directorate-General of the European Commission. The focus of the seminar was how good policies, effective legislation, wide citizen participation, cooperation between governments, legislative assemblies and outside groups, such as NGOs and the citizen at large, and information and communication technologies can reinforce and strengthen democracy. This Report was prepared by Thomas B. Riley, who was a Rapporteur at the seminar. Read the PDF document

Released March 2004

A Report on Security and Laws Privacy Seminar and Roundtable, October 2003

This report is the outcome of two events in October2003 on a common topic: Security and Privacy Laws - Striking the Balance. The first was held in public, a one-day seminar organized by the Commonwealth Centre for Electronic Governance in Ottawa on October 20,2003. and a follow up Roundtable the following day.

This report seeks to capture some of the more compelling points from the two discussions. It presents the public policy agenda that arises from striking a balance between legislation that attempts to protect the security interests of the Canadian state and of Canadians collectively and other legislation that aims to protect the privacy and rights of individuals. Read the PDF document

Highlights from the February 16, 2004 Seminar

LIVING WITH NEW PRIVATE SECTOR PRIVACY LAW:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A One Day Seminar and Training Session

Date:          February 16, 2004
Location:    Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa

Privacy has now become a major issue in both the public and private sectors. The relevance of privacy in Canadian life has been spurred on by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which applies to the private sector in Canada. This law came into effect on January 1, 2001 and will be applicable to all jurisdictions in Canada as of January 1, 2004 either through laws passed in the provinces or under the federal legislation.   more....

See the previous seminars page for documentation highlights.

Publications

THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE CITIZEN IN THE E-GOVERNANCE & E-DEMOCRACY EQUATION

This new publication from the Commonwealth Centre for Electronic Governance is entitled: The Changing Role of the Citizen in the E-Governance and E-Democracy equation. This is the completed thesis of Cathia Gilbert Riley, Research Fellow for the Commonwealth Centre for Electronic Governance, for her MA in legal Studies. PDF 1 MB (Feb 2004)

Time's End: A Novel.... An insightful commentary on how the world might evolve if society does not take control over its own development... Read reviews, order online. Release notes and order information.

Highlights From Past Events

Click here for previous events