Information Technology Sharing Promoted During GSA's U.S./Canada Day

GSA # 9427

July 24, 1997
Contact: Johanna Roark
202-501-0706 or
Vivian Ronen
202-501-1133

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) hosted the second U.S./Canada Day on Tuesday, July 8, 1997. At the event, senior U.S. and Canadian government IT officials exchanged ideas and information on IT procurement, benefits-driven procurements, electronic commerce, Year 2000 issues, Internet security and privacy, the role of the Chief Information Officer and the role of the Government Information Technology Services Board (GITSB).

Of U.S./Canada Day, GSA's Administrator David J. Barram said, "As we approach the new millenium, technology advancements will significantly change the way business is conducted on a global scale. What we learn from the experiences of other countries will enable us to stay competitive and will improve the way we do business. After all, governments learn best from other governments."

The U.S./Canada Day initiative stems from Vice President Gore's "Access America Report." The Report emphasizes that economic and political issues no longer confine themselves within national borders and highlights the benefits of exchanging information about sound practices and lessons learned.

G. Martin Wagner, GSA's Associate Administrator for Governmentwide Policy, said that, "Focusing on issues that are relevant to both countries, such as the year 2000 issues, can be of great benefit. It's appropriate that we learn together while fostering a positive relationship."

At the conclusion of U.S./Canada Day, Mr. Alan Williams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Supply Operations Service Branch, Public Works and Government Services, Government of Canada, noted he found "the exchange of information to be invaluable, and that the IT issues facing the U.S. and Canada are creating a more transparent border between the two countries."