Have your say in the future of Canada's Internet

Canadians Connected 2012 featuring keynotes by Biz Stone, Scott Stratten

OTTAWA, Sept. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (www.CIRA.ca), the organization that manages the .CA Internet domain, is bringing two of North America's top digital thinkers to Ottawa to talk about how the unrestricted growth of the global Internet is vital to the economic and social future of Canada and the rest of the world.

The event, Canadians Connected 2012, will feature keynotes by Biz Stone, co-founder and creative director of Twitter, and Scott Stratten, president of Un-Marketing. The event will also encompass CIRA's 2012 AGM, where .CA Members can network, learn and get involved in shaping the future of the Internet in Canada.

"The Internet belongs to all of us, and impacts every aspect of our lives," said Byron Holland, President and CEO of CIRA. "As we reflect on the 25^th anniversary of the .CA domain and work with Canadians to plan for its next 25 years, we thought this was an excellent opportunity to feature the insights of these visionaries who share CIRA's commitment to an Internet that is free and open to everyone."

The AGM provides an excellent opportunity for Canadians to have a say in the operation and governance of the Internet in Canada. Attendees can learn about the benefits of .CA membership and inform themselves on the issues impacting the future of the Internet in advance of CIRA's 2012 board of directors election. CIRA is electing five new members to its board, with the online voting process taking place from Sept. 19 to 26. At this year's AGM, .CA Members will also vote on proposed bylaw changes intended to ensure CIRA is in compliance with Canada's new Not-For-Profit Corporations Act.

While anyone can attend the AGM, only .CA Members can vote at the AGM or in the election. However, membership is free and can easily be obtained online by any .CA domain name holder.

"CIRA depends on the participation and input of its Members to help drive its strategic direction and define its position on the issues impacting global Internet governance," added Holland. "This is your opportunity to be heard and ensure that .CA remains an accessible, secure and trusted Canadian resource."

More about the speakers

Biz Stone was named one of the Most Influential People in the World and one of Vanity Fair's Top 10 Most Influential People of the Information Age. This will be his first speaking engagement in Ottawa. He will discuss the lessons he has learned about entrepreneurship, how to transform ideas into reality and the power of learning from mistakes, as well as what the future holds as more people become connected through a free and open Internet.

Scott Stratten is an expert on viral, social and authentic marketing. He has been named one of the top five social media influencers in the world by Forbes.com. His book UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging became a national best-seller before it was released. He is currently on tour to promote his latest effort, The Book of Business Awesome, and is expected to deliver a message that is specific to his Canadian audience with his trademark passion and enthusiasm.

For more information on the 2012 AGM, please visit https://agm.cira.ca

To learn more about CIRA's board elections, please visit https://elections.cira.ca

To learn more about CIRA's proposed bylaw changes, please visit http://cira.ca/legal/governance/

To learn more about obtaining a .CA membership, please visit https://member.cira.ca

About CIRA

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority is the Member-driven organization that manages Canada's .CA domain name registry, develops and implements policies that support Canada's Internet community, and represents the .CA registry internationally.

SOURCE: Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

Tanya O'Callaghan
Communications Manager, Canadian Internet Registration Authority
[phone] ext. 262
[email protected]

Leo Valiquette
inmedia Public Relations
[phone]
[email protected]