SIPP Public Policy Papers 57

Abstract

Using information technologies and the Internet to improve communication and service delivery are key processes of government modernization in North America, Europe and parts of Asia. In response to shifting political, economic and social demands, governments around the globe have designed online policy agendas. Canadian e-government is well established, currently providing secure access, electronic service delivery, and integrated information coordinated across government departments and agencies with evaluation conducted through standardized benchmarking tools. While state-sponsored online initiatives supplement internal and external communications among governments, decision-makers, interest groups, citizens, clients, partners, and sectors, these strategies also create political and administrative pressures to adapt to new democratic processes that promote legitimacy and accountability. However, this has not required a significant reorganization of the state, but rather a reevaluation of how services are best delivered to citizens and a shift toward using the Web to promote accountability and trust.