Today, citizens have easier access to valuable government information through the launch of the Yukon government’s first open data portal. This online tool makes government information available to be freely accessed, used and shared by anyone, anywhere and for any purpose. This information comes from a wide variety of sources across government. It can be used to create new products or services while promoting the values of public transparency and data-driven decision making.
Sharing government information in an open and unrestricted way has many benefits:
- provides a one-stop, accessible portal to host scientific, statistical and other data;
- reduces red tape by providing an on-demand method for citizens and businesses to access the data they need, when they need it, with clear terms of use; and
- supports transparency by making more data about government programs available to the public.
The open data portal puts more information in the hands of citizens, entrepreneurs, researchers, non-government organizations and First Nations governments, and fosters innovation, education and economic development. It also includes a feature allowing citizens to request the information they would like to see added in the future.
A modern, responsible government must disclose more information, not less. This open data portal increases the amount of data available to Yukoners and builds on the new Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to strengthen our government’s openness and transparency. The portal will make it easier for the public to apply their innovative ideas to the information in government datasets.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn
The open data portal is secure, private, and available in both French and English. It is also designed to work with screen readers and magnifiers, on mobile devices and with slow internet connections.
Some examples of datasets found on the portal include the Yukon snow survey, weight restrictions histories, labour force participation, radon information and Yukon transportation information.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Brittany Cross
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-456-3825
brittany.cross@gov.yk.ca