Postal Code data

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Re: Postal Code data

Harvey Low

Good point James. Hope you are well. - Harvey

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James McKinney
Sent: March-09-16 1:40 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

To clarify: Canada Post (or the minister responsible, Judy Foote [1]) would have to make the data open. TBS has no jurisdiction over that Crown corporation. They can be cc’d though.

 

 

On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

 

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

 

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

 

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

 

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

 

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

 

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

 

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

 

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

 

Aa

 

 

On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:



Aaron;

 

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

 

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

 

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

 

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

 

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

 

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

 

Cheerio

t

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

 

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

 

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

 

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

 

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

 

Cheerio

t

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
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http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
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--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

-- 

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



 

-- 

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
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Re: Postal Code data

Aaron Freeman
In reply to this post by Tracey P. Lauriault

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" value="+14163928660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

postal code open data letter.docx (155K) Download Attachment
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Re: Postal Code data

Russell McOrmond-4
In reply to this post by Tracey P. Lauriault

Thanks for the note of confidence. Happy to help someone else taking leadership, but I have limited...

Looks like that person has stepped forward!

Shapefiles work fine, as we can derive the rest. Anything we can get into our geospatial databases. Worrying too much about format can create barriers itself.

License is important as we want the ability to publicly publish derived data, including file conversions and results of lookup such as PCFRF and provincial equivalents.

Don't worry about government live APIs.. This isn't ever-changing tansit data, but something that will likely see quarterly releases that can be simple zip files of shapefiles + readme to download.

(Sent from phone. Apologies for autocorrect, etc)


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Re: Postal Code data

James McKinney-4
In reply to this post by Aaron Freeman
To some extent, all ministers have a mandate, as their mandate letters all include a commitment to “open by default” [1].

Anyhow, as the #1 requested dataset, you can be certain that TBS has already spoken to Canada Post. Seeing as the dataset is not yet available (unlike many other top-requested datasets), there are only so many options: either Canada Post is slow to respond to TBS’ request, or Canada Post has refused to open the data.

My understanding is that TBS has no power to compel Canada Post to release the data. The Directive on Open Government [2] only applies to departments as defined in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. That section [3] doesn’t include Canada Post. Canada Post may voluntarily use the Directive according to its clause 2.2.

So, if sent to TBS, the most likely outcome is that they will say they’ve raised the issue with Canada Post, and have forwarded this most recent correspondence to Canada Post. If sent to the minister responsible, at least you’re talking to person with the power to change things. My 2 cents.

1. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-public-services-and-procurement-mandate-letter
2. http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?section=text&id=28108
3. http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-f-11/latest/rsc-1985-c-f-11.html#SCHEDULE_II__494823

> On Mar 9, 2016, at 2:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?
>
> Russel, happy to chat.
>
> On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.
>
> Aa
>
> <postal code open data letter.docx>
>
>
> On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.
>>
>> Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.
>>
>> The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.
>>
>> Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.
>>
>> I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.
>>
>> There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.
>>
>> I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.
>>
>> Aa
>>
>>
>> On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Aaron;
>>>
>>> I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.
>>>
>>> Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.
>>>
>>> In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.
>>>
>>> Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.
>>>
>>> In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.
>>>
>>> Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?
>>>
>>> Cheerio
>>> t
>>>
>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> Here is the url to the Postcode of Great Britain - https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/code-point-open.html
>>>
>>> GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.
>>>
>>> Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.
>>>
>>> The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.
>>>
>>> Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.
>>>
>>> Cheerio
>>> t
>>>
>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.
>>>
>>> Manager, Social Research & Information Management,
>>>
>>> Social Development Finance & Administration Division,
>>>
>>> City of Toronto
>>> City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
>>> 100 Queen Street West
>>> Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
>>>
>>> 416-392-8660
>>> [hidden email]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
>>> Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
>>> To: civicaccess discuss
>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi John;
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Finally there is currently ongoing litigation,
>>>
>>> "CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ​And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheerio
>>>
>>> Tracey ​
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?
>>>
>>> Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheerio John
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.
>>>
>>> I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?
>>>
>>> Aaron
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>>
>>> Assistant Professor
>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>> Communication Studies
>>> School of Journalism and Communication
>>> Suite 4110, River Building
>>> Carleton University
>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>> [hidden email]
>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>>
>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>> Assistant Professor
>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>> Communication Studies
>>> School of Journalism and Communication
>>> Suite 4110, River Building
>>> Carleton University
>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>
>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>> [hidden email]
>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>> Assistant Professor
>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>> Communication Studies
>>> School of Journalism and Communication
>>> Suite 4110, River Building
>>> Carleton University
>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>
>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>> [hidden email]
>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>> [hidden email]
>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>> Assistant Professor
>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>> Communication Studies
>> School of Journalism and Communication
>> Suite 4110, River Building
>> Carleton University
>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>
>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>> [hidden email]
>> @TraceyLauriault
>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>> _______________________________________________
>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>> [hidden email]
>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>
> _______________________________________________
> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
> [hidden email]
> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

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Re: Postal Code data

Russell McOrmond-4
In reply to this post by Aaron Freeman

Re: who to address to.

My experience so far is that getting our own MPs to send things along helps quite a bit.  We will want to make sure we individually coordinate to send copies to as many of our own MPs..

Thanks...

I'm Ottawa-South with McGuinty, and can try to set up a face-to-face with him on this to try to get that extra push.. When we are ready...

On Mar 9, 2016 14:50, "Aaron Freeman" <[hidden email]> wrote:

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" value="+14163928660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
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Re: Postal Code data

Teresa Scassa
In reply to this post by James McKinney-4
Given that Canada Post has dug in its heels with the Geolytica law suit to assert its intellectual property rights in both postal codes and the postal code database, I don't think they plan on making it open any time soon.

Teresa

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James McKinney
Sent: March-09-16 3:09 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

To some extent, all ministers have a mandate, as their mandate letters all include a commitment to “open by default” [1].

Anyhow, as the #1 requested dataset, you can be certain that TBS has already spoken to Canada Post. Seeing as the dataset is not yet available (unlike many other top-requested datasets), there are only so many options: either Canada Post is slow to respond to TBS’ request, or Canada Post has refused to open the data.

My understanding is that TBS has no power to compel Canada Post to release the data. The Directive on Open Government [2] only applies to departments as defined in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. That section [3] doesn’t include Canada Post. Canada Post may voluntarily use the Directive according to its clause 2.2.

So, if sent to TBS, the most likely outcome is that they will say they’ve raised the issue with Canada Post, and have forwarded this most recent correspondence to Canada Post. If sent to the minister responsible, at least you’re talking to person with the power to change things. My 2 cents.

1. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-public-services-and-procurement-mandate-letter
2. http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?section=text&id=28108
3. http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-f-11/latest/rsc-1985-c-f-11.html#SCHEDULE_II__494823

> On Mar 9, 2016, at 2:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?
>
> Russel, happy to chat.
>
> On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.
>
> Aa
>
> <postal code open data letter.docx>
>
>
> On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.
>>
>> Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.
>>
>> The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.
>>
>> Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.
>>
>> I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.
>>
>> There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.
>>
>> I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.
>>
>> Aa
>>
>>
>> On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Aaron;
>>>
>>> I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.
>>>
>>> Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.
>>>
>>> In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.
>>>
>>> Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.
>>>
>>> In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.
>>>
>>> Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?
>>>
>>> Cheerio
>>> t
>>>
>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> Here is the url to the Postcode of Great Britain -
>>> https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/co
>>> de-point-open.html
>>>
>>> GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.
>>>
>>> Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.
>>>
>>> The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.
>>>
>>> Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.
>>>
>>> Cheerio
>>> t
>>>
>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.
>>>
>>> Manager, Social Research & Information Management,
>>>
>>> Social Development Finance & Administration Division,
>>>
>>> City of Toronto
>>> City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
>>> 100 Queen Street West
>>> Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
>>>
>>> 416-392-8660
>>> [hidden email]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> From: [hidden email]
>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>> Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
>>> To: civicaccess discuss
>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi John;
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Finally there is currently ongoing litigation,
>>>
>>> "CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ​And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheerio
>>>
>>> Tracey ​
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?
>>>
>>> Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheerio John
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.
>>>
>>> I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?
>>>
>>> Aaron
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>>
>>> Assistant Professor
>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>> Communication Studies
>>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>>> Carleton University
>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>> [hidden email]
>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>>
>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>> Assistant Professor
>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>> Communication Studies
>>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>>> Carleton University
>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>
>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>> [hidden email]
>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>> Assistant Professor
>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>> Communication Studies
>>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>>> Carleton University
>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>
>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>> [hidden email]
>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>> [hidden email]
>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>> Assistant Professor
>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>> Communication Studies
>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>> Carleton University
>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>
>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>> [hidden email]
>> @TraceyLauriault
>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>> _______________________________________________
>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>> [hidden email]
>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>
> _______________________________________________
> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
> [hidden email]
> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

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Re: Postal Code data

Gerry Tychon-2
Teresa ...

I have been wondering about this lawsuit and what the status is. Do you have any more insight?

... gerry


On 09/03/2016 1:14 PM, Teresa Scassa wrote:
Given that Canada Post has dug in its heels with the Geolytica law suit to assert its intellectual property rights in both postal codes and the postal code database, I don't think they plan on making it open any time soon.

Teresa

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James McKinney
Sent: March-09-16 3:09 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

To some extent, all ministers have a mandate, as their mandate letters all include a commitment to “open by default” [1].

Anyhow, as the #1 requested dataset, you can be certain that TBS has already spoken to Canada Post. Seeing as the dataset is not yet available (unlike many other top-requested datasets), there are only so many options: either Canada Post is slow to respond to TBS’ request, or Canada Post has refused to open the data.

My understanding is that TBS has no power to compel Canada Post to release the data. The Directive on Open Government [2] only applies to departments as defined in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. That section [3] doesn’t include Canada Post. Canada Post may voluntarily use the Directive according to its clause 2.2.

So, if sent to TBS, the most likely outcome is that they will say they’ve raised the issue with Canada Post, and have forwarded this most recent correspondence to Canada Post. If sent to the minister responsible, at least you’re talking to person with the power to change things. My 2 cents.

1. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-public-services-and-procurement-mandate-letter
2. http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?section=text&id=28108
3. http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-f-11/latest/rsc-1985-c-f-11.html#SCHEDULE_II__494823

On Mar 9, 2016, at 2:50 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:


Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa

<postal code open data letter.docx>


On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
Here is the url to the Postcode of Great Britain - 
https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/co
de-point-open.html

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low [hidden email] wrote:
Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).



We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.





Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

416-392-8660
[hidden email]







From: [hidden email] 
[[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data



Hi John;



The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.



The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.



It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.



Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.



Finally there is currently ongoing litigation,

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."



​And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.



Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.



Cheerio

Tracey ​





On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan [hidden email] wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks



Cheerio John



On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss




_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss






--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


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Re: Postal Code data

Aaron Freeman
In reply to this post by Teresa Scassa

One final round.  If you have any do-or-die issues with the attached, please embed your comments in track changes.  

Russell, excellent suggestion about sending it to each of our MPs, and personally asking them to talk to the relevant ministers.  We should all do this once the letter is finalized and signatories are lined up.

This gets to the other question about where to send the letter.  I have no doubt that that CP has dug in their heels on this, and the only thing that will dislodge this will be those in government who have a broader cross-cutting mandate.  I do not think this will be the Public Services Minister.  The people drafting her response will be reflecting the views of CP.  We need to convince those around the Cabinet table who have have some skin in the game, in the form of a mandate to do what we’re asking.  At the end of the day, Foote will be the one who has to make the order to CP, but I doubt there’s any chance she’ll do it on her own.  

There are two ministers with a mandate that touches on what we want.  I’d rather go with the one who should be on our side, at least in principle.  If she then sends it to the other one, so be it.  But at least we’re opening up a channel with a minister who should be more inclined in our direction.  

That said, I don’t think this is do-or-die, and I’ll happily go with whatever the group decides.  

Aa







On Mar 9, 2016, at 3:14 PM, Teresa Scassa <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Given that Canada Post has dug in its heels with the Geolytica law suit to assert its intellectual property rights in both postal codes and the postal code database, I don't think they plan on making it open any time soon.
>
> Teresa
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James McKinney
> Sent: March-09-16 3:09 PM
> To: civicaccess discuss
> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
>
> To some extent, all ministers have a mandate, as their mandate letters all include a commitment to “open by default” [1].
>
> Anyhow, as the #1 requested dataset, you can be certain that TBS has already spoken to Canada Post. Seeing as the dataset is not yet available (unlike many other top-requested datasets), there are only so many options: either Canada Post is slow to respond to TBS’ request, or Canada Post has refused to open the data.
>
> My understanding is that TBS has no power to compel Canada Post to release the data. The Directive on Open Government [2] only applies to departments as defined in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. That section [3] doesn’t include Canada Post. Canada Post may voluntarily use the Directive according to its clause 2.2.
>
> So, if sent to TBS, the most likely outcome is that they will say they’ve raised the issue with Canada Post, and have forwarded this most recent correspondence to Canada Post. If sent to the minister responsible, at least you’re talking to person with the power to change things. My 2 cents.
>
> 1. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-public-services-and-procurement-mandate-letter
> 2. http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?section=text&id=28108
> 3. http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-f-11/latest/rsc-1985-c-f-11.html#SCHEDULE_II__494823
>
>> On Mar 9, 2016, at 2:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?
>>
>> Russel, happy to chat.
>>
>> On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.
>>
>> Aa
>>
>> <postal code open data letter.docx>
>>
>>
>> On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.
>>>
>>> Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.
>>>
>>> The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.
>>>
>>> Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.
>>>
>>> I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?
>>>
>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.
>>>
>>> There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.
>>>
>>> I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.
>>>
>>> Aa
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Aaron;
>>>>
>>>> I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.
>>>>
>>>> Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.
>>>>
>>>> In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.
>>>>
>>>> Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.
>>>>
>>>> In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.
>>>>
>>>> Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?
>>>>
>>>> Cheerio
>>>> t
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>> Here is the url to the Postcode of Great Britain -
>>>> https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/co
>>>> de-point-open.html
>>>>
>>>> GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.
>>>>
>>>> Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.
>>>>
>>>> The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.
>>>>
>>>> Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.
>>>>
>>>> Cheerio
>>>> t
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>> Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.
>>>>
>>>> Manager, Social Research & Information Management,
>>>>
>>>> Social Development Finance & Administration Division,
>>>>
>>>> City of Toronto
>>>> City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
>>>> 100 Queen Street West
>>>> Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
>>>>
>>>> 416-392-8660
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> From: [hidden email]
>>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
>>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>>> Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
>>>> To: civicaccess discuss
>>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hi John;
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Finally there is currently ongoing litigation,
>>>>
>>>> "CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ​And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Cheerio
>>>>
>>>> Tracey ​
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?
>>>>
>>>> Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Cheerio John
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.
>>>>
>>>> I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?
>>>>
>>>> Aaron
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>>
>>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>>>
>>>> Assistant Professor
>>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>>> Communication Studies
>>>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>>>> Carleton University
>>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>>>
>>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>>> Assistant Professor
>>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>>> Communication Studies
>>>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>>>> Carleton University
>>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>>
>>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>>> Assistant Professor
>>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>>> Communication Studies
>>>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>>>> Carleton University
>>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>>
>>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Tracey P. Lauriault
>>> Assistant Professor
>>> Critical Media Studies and Big Data
>>> Communication Studies
>>> School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building
>>> Carleton University
>>> 1125 Colonel By Drive
>>> Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
>>>
>>> 1-613-520-2600 x7443
>>> [hidden email]
>>> @TraceyLauriault
>>> Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
>>> https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>>> [hidden email]
>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
>> [hidden email]
>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
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Re: Postal Code data

Teresa Scassa
In reply to this post by Gerry Tychon-2

The law suit is still ongoing, but it has become bogged down in discovery/fact-finding from what I understand.

 

Teresa

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gerry Tychon
Sent: March-09-16 3:20 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Teresa ...

I have been wondering about this lawsuit and what the status is. Do you have any more insight?

... gerry

On 09/03/2016 1:14 PM, Teresa Scassa wrote:

Given that Canada Post has dug in its heels with the Geolytica law suit to assert its intellectual property rights in both postal codes and the postal code database, I don't think they plan on making it open any time soon.
 
Teresa
 
-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James McKinney
Sent: March-09-16 3:09 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 
To some extent, all ministers have a mandate, as their mandate letters all include a commitment to “open by default” [1].
 
Anyhow, as the #1 requested dataset, you can be certain that TBS has already spoken to Canada Post. Seeing as the dataset is not yet available (unlike many other top-requested datasets), there are only so many options: either Canada Post is slow to respond to TBS’ request, or Canada Post has refused to open the data.
 
My understanding is that TBS has no power to compel Canada Post to release the data. The Directive on Open Government [2] only applies to departments as defined in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. That section [3] doesn’t include Canada Post. Canada Post may voluntarily use the Directive according to its clause 2.2.
 
So, if sent to TBS, the most likely outcome is that they will say they’ve raised the issue with Canada Post, and have forwarded this most recent correspondence to Canada Post. If sent to the minister responsible, at least you’re talking to person with the power to change things. My 2 cents.
 
1. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-public-services-and-procurement-mandate-letter
2. http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?section=text&id=28108
3. http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-f-11/latest/rsc-1985-c-f-11.html#SCHEDULE_II__494823
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 2:50 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
 
Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?
 
Russel, happy to chat.
 
On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.
 
Aa
 
<postal code open data letter.docx>
 
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
 
you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.
 
Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.
 
The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.
 
Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.
 
I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.
 
There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.
 
I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.
 
Aa
 
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
 
Aaron;
 
I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.
 
Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.
 
In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.
 
Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.
 
In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.
 
Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?
 
Cheerio
t
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
Here is the url to the Postcode of Great Britain - 
https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/co
de-point-open.html
 
GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.
 
Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.
 
The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.
 
Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.
 
Cheerio
t
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low [hidden email] wrote:
Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).
 
 
 
We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.
 
 
 
 
 
Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.
 
Manager, Social Research & Information Management,
 
Social Development Finance & Administration Division,
 
City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
 
416-392-8660
[hidden email]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From: [hidden email] 
[[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 
 
 
Hi John;
 
 
 
The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.
 
 
 
The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.
 
 
 
It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.
 
 
 
Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.
 
 
 
Finally there is currently ongoing litigation,
 
"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."
 
 
 
And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.
 
 
 
Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.
 
 
 
Cheerio
 
Tracey 
 
 
 
 
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan [hidden email] wrote:
 
Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?
 
Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?
 
Thanks
 
 
 
Cheerio John
 
 
 
On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
 
New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.
 
I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?
 
Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
 
 
 
--
 
Tracey P. Lauriault
 
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
 
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
 
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
_______________________________________________
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Re: Postal Code data

James McKinney-4
Note that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (previously Industry Canada) also has open data as a priority in his mandate letter. Historically, Industry Canada has supported open data, e.g. collaborating with TBS on the Canadian Open Data Experience, so that makes at least two ministers with “skin in the game”.

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-innovation-science-and-economic-development-mandate-letter


On Mar 9, 2016, at 3:30 PM, Teresa Scassa <[hidden email]> wrote:

The law suit is still ongoing, but it has become bogged down in discovery/fact-finding from what I understand.
 
Teresa
 
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gerry Tychon
Sent: March-09-16 3:20 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 

Teresa ...

I have been wondering about this lawsuit and what the status is. Do you have any more insight?

... gerry

On 09/03/2016 1:14 PM, Teresa Scassa wrote:
Given that Canada Post has dug in its heels with the Geolytica law suit to assert its intellectual property rights in both postal codes and the postal code database, I don't think they plan on making it open any time soon.
 
Teresa
 
-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James McKinney
Sent: March-09-16 3:09 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 
To some extent, all ministers have a mandate, as their mandate letters all include a commitment to “open by default” [1].
 
Anyhow, as the #1 requested dataset, you can be certain that TBS has already spoken to Canada Post. Seeing as the dataset is not yet available (unlike many other top-requested datasets), there are only so many options: either Canada Post is slow to respond to TBS’ request, or Canada Post has refused to open the data.
 
My understanding is that TBS has no power to compel Canada Post to release the data. The Directive on Open Government [2] only applies to departments as defined in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. That section [3] doesn’t include Canada Post. Canada Post may voluntarily use the Directive according to its clause 2.2.
 
So, if sent to TBS, the most likely outcome is that they will say they’ve raised the issue with Canada Post, and have forwarded this most recent correspondence to Canada Post. If sent to the minister responsible, at least you’re talking to person with the power to change things. My 2 cents.
 
1. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-public-services-and-procurement-mandate-letter
2. http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?section=text&id=28108
3. http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-f-11/latest/rsc-1985-c-f-11.html#SCHEDULE_II__494823
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 2:50 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
 
Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?
 
Russel, happy to chat.
 
On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.
 
Aa
 
<postal code open data letter.docx>
 
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
 
you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.
 
Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.
 
The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.
 
Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.
 
I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.
 
There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.
 
I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.
 
Aa
 
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
 
Aaron;
 
I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.
 
Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.
 
In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.
 
Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.
 
In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.
 
Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?
 
Cheerio
t
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
Here is the url to the Postcode of Great Britain - 
https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/co
de-point-open.html
 
GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.
 
Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.
 
The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.
 
Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.
 
Cheerio
t
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low [hidden email] wrote:
Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).
 
 
 
We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.
 
 
 
 
 
Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.
 
Manager, Social Research & Information Management,
 
Social Development Finance & Administration Division,
 
City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
 
416-392-8660
[hidden email]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From: [hidden email] 
[[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 
 
 
Hi John;
 
 
 
The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.
 
 
 
The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.
 
 
 
It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.
 
 
 
Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.
 
 
 
Finally there is currently ongoing litigation,
 
"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."
 
 
 
And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.
 
 
 
Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.
 
 
 
Cheerio
 
Tracey 
 
 
 
 
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan [hidden email] wrote:
 
Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?
 
Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?
 
Thanks
 
 
 
Cheerio John
 
 
 
On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
 
New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.
 
I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?
 
Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
 
 
 
--
 
Tracey P. Lauriault
 
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
 
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
 
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
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http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


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Re: Postal Code data

Aaron Freeman

Good catch.  Adding to the cc list.


On Mar 9, 2016, at 3:31 PM, James McKinney <[hidden email]> wrote:

Note that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (previously Industry Canada) also has open data as a priority in his mandate letter. Historically, Industry Canada has supported open data, e.g. collaborating with TBS on the Canadian Open Data Experience, so that makes at least two ministers with “skin in the game”.

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-innovation-science-and-economic-development-mandate-letter


On Mar 9, 2016, at 3:30 PM, Teresa Scassa <[hidden email]> wrote:

The law suit is still ongoing, but it has become bogged down in discovery/fact-finding from what I understand.
 
Teresa
 
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gerry Tychon
Sent: March-09-16 3:20 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 

Teresa ...

I have been wondering about this lawsuit and what the status is. Do you have any more insight?

... gerry

On 09/03/2016 1:14 PM, Teresa Scassa wrote:
Given that Canada Post has dug in its heels with the Geolytica law suit to assert its intellectual property rights in both postal codes and the postal code database, I don't think they plan on making it open any time soon.
 
Teresa
 
-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] On Behalf Of James McKinney
Sent: March-09-16 3:09 PM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 
To some extent, all ministers have a mandate, as their mandate letters all include a commitment to “open by default” [1].
 
Anyhow, as the #1 requested dataset, you can be certain that TBS has already spoken to Canada Post. Seeing as the dataset is not yet available (unlike many other top-requested datasets), there are only so many options: either Canada Post is slow to respond to TBS’ request, or Canada Post has refused to open the data.
 
My understanding is that TBS has no power to compel Canada Post to release the data. The Directive on Open Government [2] only applies to departments as defined in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. That section [3] doesn’t include Canada Post. Canada Post may voluntarily use the Directive according to its clause 2.2.
 
So, if sent to TBS, the most likely outcome is that they will say they’ve raised the issue with Canada Post, and have forwarded this most recent correspondence to Canada Post. If sent to the minister responsible, at least you’re talking to person with the power to change things. My 2 cents.
 
1. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-public-services-and-procurement-mandate-letter
2. http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?section=text&id=28108
3. http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-f-11/latest/rsc-1985-c-f-11.html#SCHEDULE_II__494823
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 2:50 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
 
Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?
 
Russel, happy to chat.
 
On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.
 
Aa
 
<postal code open data letter.docx>
 
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
 
you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.
 
Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.
 
The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.
 
Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.
 
I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.
 
There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.
 
I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.
 
Aa
 
 
On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
 
Aaron;
 
I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.
 
Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.
 
In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.
 
Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.
 
In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.
 
Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?
 
Cheerio
t
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault [hidden email] wrote:
Here is the url to the Postcode of Great Britain - 
https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/co
de-point-open.html
 
GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.
 
Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.
 
The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.
 
Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.
 
Cheerio
t
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low [hidden email] wrote:
Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).
 
 
 
We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.
 
 
 
 
 
Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.
 
Manager, Social Research & Information Management,
 
Social Development Finance & Administration Division,
 
City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
 
416-392-8660
[hidden email]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From: [hidden email] 
[[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data
 
 
 
Hi John;
 
 
 
The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.
 
 
 
The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.
 
 
 
It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.
 
 
 
Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.
 
 
 
Finally there is currently ongoing litigation,
 
"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."
 
 
 
And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.
 
 
 
Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.
 
 
 
Cheerio
 
Tracey 
 
 
 
 
 
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan [hidden email] wrote:
 
Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?
 
Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?
 
Thanks
 
 
 
Cheerio John
 
 
 
On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman [hidden email] wrote:
 
 
New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.
 
I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?
 
Aaron
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--
 
Tracey P. Lauriault
 
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
 
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--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
 
 
 
--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication Suite 4110, River Building 
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
 
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
https://carleton.ca/sjc/people-archives/lauriault-tracey/
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
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Re: Postal Code data

Tracey P. Lauriault
In reply to this post by Aaron Freeman
Aaron;

Let me know when you have a final draft after examining the suggestions I have already provided and input from Russell and others, like such as James.

James & Jean-Noe & Russel & Colleen & Harvey, which files should be suggested?

Also, Aaron, will you be soliciting other signers? for the moment it looks like CIPPIC, Place Speak, Myself.  If so, you might want to approach the BC Institute.

Re-TBS vs CP vs PWGSC

The letter should be addressed to the minister in charge of CP, and the rest should be CC'd.  

You might also want to include Stephane Dion, Minister International Affairs as he is responsible for membership of the Open Government Partnership and signed onto the G8 Open Data Charter, which you might also want to include in your letter since we are members.

Sincerely
Tracey

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 3:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" value="+14163928660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
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--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
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@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


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-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
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--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
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[hidden email]
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--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

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Re: Postal Code data

Tracey P. Lauriault
In reply to this post by Russell McOrmond-4
nice one russel!

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 4:10 PM, Russell McOrmond <[hidden email]> wrote:

Re: who to address to.

My experience so far is that getting our own MPs to send things along helps quite a bit.  We will want to make sure we individually coordinate to send copies to as many of our own MPs..

Thanks...

I'm Ottawa-South with McGuinty, and can try to set up a face-to-face with him on this to try to get that extra push.. When we are ready...

On Mar 9, 2016 14:50, "Aaron Freeman" <[hidden email]> wrote:

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" value="+14163928660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
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--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


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-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


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--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
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[hidden email]
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--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
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Re: Postal Code data

Aaron Freeman
In reply to this post by Tracey P. Lauriault


I’ve changed the addressee to the CP minister, and added Stephane Dion.

This is as final as I could reasonably take it, and I believe it incorporates the specific feedback I received from folks.  I wasn’t exactly sure how to incorporate some of yours.  For example, I’m not sure what you want added to the letter with regard to the jurisdictional divide between TBS and a crown corp, or regarding the revenue stream with regard to the database.  Perhaps the former is less relevant now that the letter is addressed to Foote.  And I’m not sure we need to touch on the revenue issue in this letter.

But in any event, me trying to guess at this is probably just going to end up in a lot of extra exchanges on this listserv.  If you or others have specific changes that you feel should be made to the letter, please insert them in track changes.  

Thanks,

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 6:17 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

Let me know when you have a final draft after examining the suggestions I have already provided and input from Russell and others, like such as James.

James & Jean-Noe & Russel & Colleen & Harvey, which files should be suggested?

Also, Aaron, will you be soliciting other signers? for the moment it looks like CIPPIC, Place Speak, Myself.  If so, you might want to approach the BC Institute.

Re-TBS vs CP vs PWGSC

The letter should be addressed to the minister in charge of CP, and the rest should be CC'd.  

You might also want to include Stephane Dion, Minister International Affairs as he is responsible for membership of the Open Government Partnership and signed onto the G8 Open Data Charter, which you might also want to include in your letter since we are members.

Sincerely
Tracey

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 3:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" value="+14163928660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
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[hidden email]
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postal code open data letter.docx (155K) Download Attachment
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Re: Postal Code data

Tracey P. Lauriault
Thanks Aaron;

What is the deadline?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 9:38 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


I’ve changed the addressee to the CP minister, and added Stephane Dion.

This is as final as I could reasonably take it, and I believe it incorporates the specific feedback I received from folks.  I wasn’t exactly sure how to incorporate some of yours.  For example, I’m not sure what you want added to the letter with regard to the jurisdictional divide between TBS and a crown corp, or regarding the revenue stream with regard to the database.  Perhaps the former is less relevant now that the letter is addressed to Foote.  And I’m not sure we need to touch on the revenue issue in this letter.

But in any event, me trying to guess at this is probably just going to end up in a lot of extra exchanges on this listserv.  If you or others have specific changes that you feel should be made to the letter, please insert them in track changes.  

Thanks,

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 6:17 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

Let me know when you have a final draft after examining the suggestions I have already provided and input from Russell and others, like such as James.

James & Jean-Noe & Russel & Colleen & Harvey, which files should be suggested?

Also, Aaron, will you be soliciting other signers? for the moment it looks like CIPPIC, Place Speak, Myself.  If so, you might want to approach the BC Institute.

Re-TBS vs CP vs PWGSC

The letter should be addressed to the minister in charge of CP, and the rest should be CC'd.  

You might also want to include Stephane Dion, Minister International Affairs as he is responsible for membership of the Open Government Partnership and signed onto the G8 Open Data Charter, which you might also want to include in your letter since we are members.

Sincerely
Tracey

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 3:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" value="+14163928660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
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http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
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Re: Postal Code data

Aaron Freeman

We’ve got some good momentum on this, so I’d like to get start circulating for sign on ASAP, ideally before people leave for March Break next week.  I would suggest we finalize today, spend the next couple of days getting as many quick sign ons as possible, then assess whether we need to get more sign ons or send it in early next week.  It looks like we should have no problem getting a number of academics, 3-4 organizations, and some others fairly quickly.  We could try for more, but not sure if we really need more than that.  I think if we get it in with some credible names, and then we really work Russell’s idea of getting it to MPs with notes from their constituents to push it with ministers, that would be quite effective.

Aa


On Mar 10, 2016, at 1:43 AM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Thanks Aaron;

What is the deadline?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 9:38 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


I’ve changed the addressee to the CP minister, and added Stephane Dion.

This is as final as I could reasonably take it, and I believe it incorporates the specific feedback I received from folks.  I wasn’t exactly sure how to incorporate some of yours.  For example, I’m not sure what you want added to the letter with regard to the jurisdictional divide between TBS and a crown corp, or regarding the revenue stream with regard to the database.  Perhaps the former is less relevant now that the letter is addressed to Foote.  And I’m not sure we need to touch on the revenue issue in this letter.

But in any event, me trying to guess at this is probably just going to end up in a lot of extra exchanges on this listserv.  If you or others have specific changes that you feel should be made to the letter, please insert them in track changes.  

Thanks,

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 6:17 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

Let me know when you have a final draft after examining the suggestions I have already provided and input from Russell and others, like such as James.

James & Jean-Noe & Russel & Colleen & Harvey, which files should be suggested?

Also, Aaron, will you be soliciting other signers? for the moment it looks like CIPPIC, Place Speak, Myself.  If so, you might want to approach the BC Institute.

Re-TBS vs CP vs PWGSC

The letter should be addressed to the minister in charge of CP, and the rest should be CC'd.  

You might also want to include Stephane Dion, Minister International Affairs as he is responsible for membership of the Open Government Partnership and signed onto the G8 Open Data Charter, which you might also want to include in your letter since we are members.

Sincerely
Tracey

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 3:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

Russel, happy to chat.

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

Aa




On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

Aa


On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

Aaron;

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

Cheerio
t

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" value="+14163928660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



-- 
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" value="+16135202600" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



--
Tracey P. Lauriault
Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6
1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss
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Re: Postal Code data

Teresa Scassa

Aaron,

 

You are a force of nature!  It’s a good letter and I have attached just a few comments/suggestions which you can take or leave.

 

Teresa

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Aaron Freeman
Sent: March-10-16 11:01 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

 

We’ve got some good momentum on this, so I’d like to get start circulating for sign on ASAP, ideally before people leave for March Break next week.  I would suggest we finalize today, spend the next couple of days getting as many quick sign ons as possible, then assess whether we need to get more sign ons or send it in early next week.  It looks like we should have no problem getting a number of academics, 3-4 organizations, and some others fairly quickly.  We could try for more, but not sure if we really need more than that.  I think if we get it in with some credible names, and then we really work Russell’s idea of getting it to MPs with notes from their constituents to push it with ministers, that would be quite effective.

 

Aa

 

 

On Mar 10, 2016, at 1:43 AM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:



Thanks Aaron;

 

What is the deadline?

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 9:38 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

 

 

I’ve changed the addressee to the CP minister, and added Stephane Dion.

 

This is as final as I could reasonably take it, and I believe it incorporates the specific feedback I received from folks.  I wasn’t exactly sure how to incorporate some of yours.  For example, I’m not sure what you want added to the letter with regard to the jurisdictional divide between TBS and a crown corp, or regarding the revenue stream with regard to the database.  Perhaps the former is less relevant now that the letter is addressed to Foote.  And I’m not sure we need to touch on the revenue issue in this letter.

 

But in any event, me trying to guess at this is probably just going to end up in a lot of extra exchanges on this listserv.  If you or others have specific changes that you feel should be made to the letter, please insert them in track changes.  

 

Thanks,

 

Aa

 

 

 

 

On Mar 9, 2016, at 6:17 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:



Aaron;

 

Let me know when you have a final draft after examining the suggestions I have already provided and input from Russell and others, like such as James.

 

James & Jean-Noe & Russel & Colleen & Harvey, which files should be suggested?

 

Also, Aaron, will you be soliciting other signers? for the moment it looks like CIPPIC, Place Speak, Myself.  If so, you might want to approach the BC Institute.

 

Re-TBS vs CP vs PWGSC

 

The letter should be addressed to the minister in charge of CP, and the rest should be CC'd.  

 

You might also want to include Stephane Dion, Minister International Affairs as he is responsible for membership of the Open Government Partnership and signed onto the G8 Open Data Charter, which you might also want to include in your letter since we are members.

 

Sincerely

Tracey

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 3:50 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

 

Tracey, to reduce the back and forth on this (and the likelihood that I will get it wrong), can you provide wording in the text of the letter (current version attached) to ensure we have the right ask in terms of file format?  

 

Russel, happy to chat.

 

On the issue of whom to address it to, I think Treasury is the right target, although we should certainly cc the Canada Post minister and the CEO.  While the Public Services Minister is ultimately the one who will have to order the corporation to release the data, unfortunately she does not have a mandate on open data.  This is Treasury Board’s, so I’d like to at least start there.  TB may refer the letter to Foote, and if so there’s not much we can do about it.  But I’d like to have a response from a minister who has a mandate to do what we’re asking, not from a minister who is more likely to just parrot whatever CP says.

 

Aa

 

 

 

 

On Mar 9, 2016, at 1:30 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:



you need more than shape files, expand your format ask, see the formats for the FSA I sent.

 

Also, there could be wsf, geojson, etc.

 

The letter needs to also be addressed to Canada Post, Treasury Board may not have jurisdiction over it.

 

Also, Russel is the expert so be sure to get his input, perhaps a phone conversation.

 

I am happy to sing your letter if you are looking for co-signatory folks - Open North.  Any others?

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:53 PM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

 

Good point on calling for it to be open and not just accessilble.  

 

There’s a cc at the end for both the CEO of Canada Post and the PM.  The letter calls for shapefiles and I’ve added “other attributes", but I can make it clearer a the end by stating "including shapefiles and other attributes”.  

 

I spoke with David Fewer at CIPPIC and they like the letter and will sign on.

 

Aa

 

 

On Mar 9, 2016, at 12:20 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:



Aaron;

 

I see your letter is to TBS, it also needs to go to Canada Post.

 

Here is the URL to the FSA https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/geo/bound-limit/bound-limit-2011-eng.cfm, you will note the Canada Post copyright on this dbase, therefore it is not an open dataset but it is an accessible dataset.

 

In terms of the postal code, be sure to specify exactly what you want.  Your letter at the moment does not, and you could just get a list of postal codes and no coordinates, do you want it accessible so that you can embed into apps, then you need some sort of API, do you want a point file or a bounded polygon etc.

 

Again, read up on the jurisdictional divide between tbs and a crown corporation.  Also, would be good to know, seperately what the revenu stream is for canada post in relation to this database and what are the implications for the loss of revenue.

 

In Ireland for example, the Ordnance Survey survived the economic crash because of its crown corporation like structure, it was protected from the gov cutbacks as it had a revenue stream that allowed it to stay current, kitted and have professional staff and to innovate.  They are changing and will be subsumed within national government, and the uncertainties related to that may mean not only a loss of autonomy, but also budgetary issues.  

 

Russel, what are your thoughts on the letter and what should be asked in it?

 

Cheerio

t

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Tracey P. Lauriault <[hidden email]> wrote:

 

GPS was opened and look what happened to the development of LBS, wearables and mobility in general.

 

Postal Codes help with routing etc. and all the good things I mentioned earlier, so both corporate and public benefit, while FSA are foundational for research and all the things that Harvey is talking about.

 

The GB Postcode data in the Ordnance Survey would be analysis of the FSA.

 

Aaron, working with Russel is really important, he is our national expert on this file.  Also, Canada Post is a crown corporation, so not sure what the national TBS open data/open government jurisdictional divide is on enforcement, irrespective, making sure your letter also goes to them is important.

 

Cheerio

t

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 11:17 AM, Harvey Low <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just to add to Tracey’s usual spot-on assessments, the Postal Code geography (in particular FSA, FSA+1 digit), would provide a level of data aggregation that minimizes sampling restrictions at the Census Tract and DA levels). It also provides a level of data aggregation that can be consistent across Municipalities for cross-municipal planning purposes, easily understood by the public, and in support of national strategic policy or social advocacy outcomes (e.g., National Housing initiatives, childcare etc).

 

We would use his geography as an additional level of sampling fur surveys as well.

 

 

Harvey Low,  B.A.A., M.C.I.P.

Manager, Social Research & Information Management,

Social Development Finance & Administration Division,

City of Toronto
City Hall, 14th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

<a href="tel:416-392-8660" target="_blank">416-392-8660
[hidden email]

 

    

 

From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]On Behalf Of Tracey P. Lauriault
Sent: March-09-16 9:36 AM
To: civicaccess discuss
Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Postal Code data

 

Hi John;

 

The new post code in Ireland was just deployed last year and it was created by a semi state institution and subcontracted out to a company called Capita.  It is not a public data set.

 

The argument for Canada is important, since, the postal code is arguably a very important dataset for the functioning of our democracy as it informs the electoral districts, help you finding your MP and is a key determinant in knowing where to vote.  It is also used in relation to taxation analysis (FSA) and used extensive by Statistics Canada.  It is an indexical data set and I would argue it is infrastructure or framework data.

 

It is also a major money maker as all the big data firms, marketing lists and consumer targeted sales rest upon it.  

 

Russel McOrmond at Digital Copyright Canada has been working to get access to this for a long time - http://www.digital-copyright.ca/blog/2.

 

Finally there is currently ongoing litigation, 

"CIPPIC has filed a Statement of Defense on behalf of its client, Geolytica, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Canada Post Corporation in the Federal Court of Canada (File No. T-519-12) claiming that it owns copyright in its database of postal codes and that Geolytica has infringed that copyright by "crowd-sourcing" data for its own database of postal codes mapped to street addresses."

 

And I am not sure where this case stands at the moment.

 

Aaron, you are in good company on what you would like to do.

 

Cheerio

Tracey 

 

 

On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 7:58 AM, john whelan <[hidden email]> wrote:

Is the UK postcode data available?  Does anyone have any feedback of the impact of releasing it?

Note to Tracy did Ireland use postcodes and was it released?

Thanks

 

Cheerio John

 

On 8 March 2016 at 22:22, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:


New to this list, so my apologies if I’m not up to date on this issue.  I was looking at some of the past postings on liberating postal code files from Canada Post.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in pushing the federal government once again to release this data.  I’d be happy to be involved in such an initiative.  Have there been organized efforts in the past to win this fight?

Aaron
_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault


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-- 

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault



 

-- 

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

<a href="tel:1-613-520-2600%20x7443" target="_blank">1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss



 

--

Tracey P. Lauriault

Assistant Professor 
Critical Media Studies and Big Data
Communication Studies
School of Journalism and Communication
Suite 4110, River Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa (ON) K1S 5B6

1-613-520-2600 x7443
[hidden email]
@TraceyLauriault
Skype: Tracey.P.Lauriault

_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

 


_______________________________________________
CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
[hidden email]
http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss

postal code open data letter-comments.docx (26K) Download Attachment
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Re: Postal Code data

Russell McOrmond-4
In reply to this post by Aaron Freeman


On Thu, Mar 10, 2016 at 11:01 AM, Aaron Freeman <[hidden email]> wrote:

We’ve got some good momentum on this, so I’d like to get start circulating for sign on ASAP, ideally before people leave for March Break next week.


I'm ready to sign on.  I suggest that individuals should be included as well as organizations, as not everyone who will want to lend their name to it can do so under an organization.   Also, not all organizations will have the same clout anyway.


Russell McOrmond,  FLORA.org, Digital-Copyright.ca


Mike Gifford of OpenConcept.ca will also likely sign on.  He's not in this list, but I've made him aware of what you are doing.


--
Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant: <http://www.flora.ca/>

Please help us tell the Canadian Parliament to protect our property rights as owners of Information Technology. Sign the petition! http://l.c11.ca/ict/

"The government, lobbied by legacy copyright holders and hardware manufacturers, can pry my camcorder, computer, home theatre, or portable media player from my cold dead hands!" http://c11.ca/own

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