Lethbridge MP Rachael Harder. (Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge MP appointed Shadow Minister for Digital Government

Feb 11, 2021 | 11:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Rachael Harder has a new position within the federal government – one that she feels has become increasingly important in recent years.

The Member of Parliament will serve as an opposition critic for the Digital Government portfolio.

“My role will be to hold the government to account with regards to how it roles out legislation and regulation around protection peoples’ privacy, making sure that their information is their own, ensuring that consent is granted for information to be used online, that sort of thing.”

“It really is about protecting Canadians and making sure they can be confident when they use digital platforms.”

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Over the past several years, Canadians have become more and more reliant on the internet for work, school, shopping, entertainment, and many other aspects of life.

“I think now, especially in COVID when we’re working digitally, we’re living so much of our life online, and so I think it’s all the more important that the government take a very close look at the regulations surrounding online use and make sure that Canadians are well looked after in that regard.”

The digital age has some worried about privacy and how information is shared by big tech companies. Although Harder did not provide an exact answer on how she would protect people when it comes to information sharing, she believes that will be one of the most important tasks she will face in this role.

Harder says her top priority is continuing to serve her constituents in Lethbridge, but this is another opportunity for her to represent all Canadians.

In the past, she has served terms as the chair of the ethics committee, shadow minister for youth, and status for women.