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Government Relations

We are not a lobby group but we do engage with the government in the following ways.

Advisory & Education

The Canada Blockchain Consortium is in an ideal position to demonstrate value to Canada's Federal Government through acting as an advisor and coordination point for public sector blockchain policies, initiatives and projects.

Engaging Leadership

While remaining politically agnostic, the CBC can benefit from effectively engaging current leadership at the highest levels, while balancing its efforts through developing close relationships with regulators and other non-partisan agencies.

Applying for Funding

As of the summer of 2019, Federal funding opportunities that may have been possible for groups like the CBC and its affiliated organizations and partners are reportedly on hold until post the October 2019 national election. This makes obtaining strong support from Provincial leadership more critical. Consortiums are ideal to apply for funding to support research initiatives and educational activities across Canada. We are in talks with provincial and federal grant organizations to leverage the CBC to apply for funding on behalf of our members.

Objectives

CBC’s engagement with the Provincial Government is multi-faceted. Objectives include:

1

Education

Educating the government on the economic and social benefits of blockchain
2

Funding

Obtaining financial or other support for CBC and its projects/events
3

Support

Benefiting the broader Alberta economy through gaining support for blockchain adoption
4

Technological Direction

Guiding and influencing government policies and its technological direction
5

Relationship Development

Adding value to partners and members through relationship development
6

Partnerships

Assisting in forming and facilitating public/private partnerships on blockchain projects
7

Framework

Building an enduring framework of support for blockchain that will remain despite future changes in political leadership

Policy Memo

As of July, the CBC has delivered a Policy Memo to UCP leadership outlining how blockchain and developing a working relationship with the CBC can benefit the party’s platform objectives.  This initial step in engagement was designed to give a broad overview of the technology and our ecosystem, an explanation of Alberta’s key advantages, and a detailed outline of how blockchain applications can help the UCP reach their policy goals in a variety of innovative ways. The CBC suggested in the letter that the next steps could be continuing discussions at a higher level. The two methods of engagement were suggested to be; working together on a Digital Blockchain Strategy for Alberta, and the CBC’s support, facilitation and promotion of a landmark blockchain project on the part of the government.