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Provincial Data Plan

Publication date: November 22, 2023

We need the right data at the right time to understand complex issues and make good decisions. The Provincial Data Plan will focus our efforts on data initiatives that matter most. 

On this page: 

The Provincial Data Plan

The Provincial Data Plan (PDF, 3.7MB) is an all-of-government approach for data. It will support government in meeting its objectives to: 

We collect data on everything from health services, to housing, to parks and more. As collection of data has expanded, government’s data management practices have evolved.

We know we have to continuously improve our data practices to:

  • Understand issues
  • Provide equitable services 
  • Advance reconciliation 
  • Deliver better programs with measurable outcomes

How the Plan was developed

A comprehensive consultation was completed in 2021 to gather input from ministries and the broader public sector about B.C.’s data.

This input identified systemic challenges with how data is collected and used. The root causes centered around:

  • Governance
  • Policy
  • Technology
  • Lack of resources and data competency

The Provincial Data Plan responds to these challenges. It includes actions to:

  • Strengthen our data foundation
  •  Act on priority data initiatives

A special thank you to the members of the BC Data Council for creating and delivering the BC Data Roadmap. This was leveraged to create the Provincial Data Plan.

Progress to date and what is next 

Advance equity

Complete

Near term (6-12 months)

Support reconciliation 

Complete

  • Initiated collaborative discussions with Indigenous Peoples about data governance

Near term (6-12 months)

  • Co-develop an approach with Indigenous Peoples for Indigenous data governance 
  • Draft a framework for updating IM/IT systems to recognize text characters used in Indigenous languages
  • Develop policy and guidance to ensure digital services can accommodate Indigenous languages

Longer term

  • New approaches to Indigenous data governance 

Increase evidence-based decision making 

Near term (6-12 months)

Scale the Data Innovation Program and Data Science Partnerships program to better meet the demand for integrated data analysis 

Longer term

Increase access to open and licensed government data

Deliver the modern services people need

Complete

  • Improved the usability and accessibility of the BC Data Catalogue 

Near term (6-12 months)

  • Refocus statistics production and research projects on government priorities 
  • Increase the number and variety of catalogued datasets in BC Data Catalogue

Longer term

  • Pilot the use of authoritative data registers 
  • Release standards and guidance for authoritative data registers 
  • Launch a corporate service to support use of data registers across ministries 
  • Integrate BC Data Catalogue and ministry data catalogues

Strengthen our data competency and governance

Complete

Near term (6-12 months)

  • Launch a new procurement method to increase access to highly skilled data professionals

Longer term

  • Develop additional data standards and guidelines to support consistent data management across government 
  • Release data job stream profiles and talent management plan 
  • Launch a training program to reskill and develop data competencies

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples:

  • Rights
  • Interests
  • Priorities
  • Concerns

We respect and acknowledge their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

The feather and drum art used in the Provincial Data Plan was developed by Andy Everson. Andy is an accomplished artist from the K’omoks First Nation on Vancouver Island. He draws upon his roots amongst the Kwakwaka’wakw, Salish and Tlingit peoples. He creates artwork that reflects the convergence of ancient traditions with modern society.

MIRR Drum Blue White by Andy Everson

The four feathers represent the diversity of the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia. The drum symbolizes the heartbeat of ceremonies. The feathers are arranged in four directions to represent the people of:

  • The North Coast (North)
  • The Interior (East)
  • The Salish (South)
  • Those who are disenfranchised or have relocated to western Canada (West)

We would also like to thank our many colleagues across government who contributed to making this document what it is today.

Cross-government collaboration

The actions outlined in this plan will require varying degrees of participation from ministries. BC Data Service will work with the Deputy Ministers Committee on Digital and Data. Together we will:  

  • Communicate priorities
  • What is required from ministries
  • The supports provided for each action

Explore the Plan's pillars

Learn more about how the Provincial Data Plan supports advancing equity.

Contact

Open a service ticket for help with data policies, standards and guidelines. We can provide guidance on data management and evidence-based decision making in your area.