The Canadian Library Association Supports the Tri-Agency Statement of Principles on Digital Data Management

The Canadian Library Association welcomes the intent and desired impact of the draft Tri-Agency Statement of Principles on Digital Data Management to create “a robust and open research data environment in Canada”. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) (the Tri-Agencies) provide significant public funds to advance research in Canada. Libraries across Canada are portals for Canadian from all walks of life to access and utilize the research data gathered through federally sponsored projects. These data can provide leverage for education, innovation, community development and a vast array of other positive results. For too long these data were either unavailable or restricted to members of the academic community. The intent of this statement to make such data accessible to all Canadians will maximize the value of Canada’s research investments and infrastructure. Coupled with the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Research Publications, the draft statement advances a widespread regime of open access and open data, a public asset long advocated for by the Canadian Library Association