Although the Canadian government has already taken initiatives to develop social networking tools, they may be getting help soon from Google.
The official Google Public Sector blog has plenty of resources for government technology directors, including the recently concluded Gov 2.0 summit in D.C. last week, chaired by web guru Tim O’Reilly of O’Reilly Media, Inc., the guy who coined “Web 2.0.” Videos of most of the presentations are available online.
Last night Google announced the launch of Google for the Public Sector, offering a number of tools that largely already existed, such as website development, maps, and videos. The showcases and tutorials available should make it easier for any public service or election campaign to make use of them.
Ginny Hunt, Public Sector Project Manager, said,
According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, nearly four out of five American Internet users go online to find government information. Technology will help play a key role in making this information accessible, useful and transparent.
If there was ever a time for the Canadian election 2.0, it’s probably now.
