For immediate release
October 11, 2013
Toronto – The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today highlighted the value of Open Data to students and innovators at the University of Toronto. He announced his support for the Great Canadian Appathon (GCA), now in its fourth year, and plans for a new, forthcoming national Open Data Appathon that will serve to bring the high tech community together and celebrate Canadian entrepreneurship and innovation.
Students and innovators came out to the University of Toronto campus to learn about the launch of the Great Canadian Appathon 4, and witness a demonstration of the use of data in action by other students. Over 500 students from 36 universities took part last year in the Great Canadian Appathon, and more and more are becoming aware of this great opportunity.
The Government of Canada hopes to incite this same level of enthusiasm by supporting a new national Open Data Appathon, likely early in the new year, among Open Data enthusiasts, and among those who are new to Open Data. Both rookies and those experienced with Open Data are invited to explore the data found on data.gc.ca to create innovative new products and ideas.
Minister Clement applauded the University of Toronto for hosting the day’s event and continuing to encourage students and enthusiasts to try their hand at app development.
"Our students, faculty and alumni are enthusiastic participants in the growing wave of appathons and hackathons, and we have supported the Great Canadian Appathon from the start," said Sven Dickinson, Chair of the Department of Computer Science. "The University of Toronto remains on the leading edge of technology innovation. We are inspired by the work our students can produce, and are excited to see what they, and other students across the country, will bring to the fourth year of the GCA, and the upcoming national Open Data Appathon."
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