Preparing for the Era of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in Canada: New White Paper

Ottawa, April 28, 2020—The key to successful implementation and adoption of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) in Canada depends on a broad range of interlocking advances, including an effective network infrastructure (specifically 5G mobility), the use of artificial intelligence, sensor data analysis, and further work on predictive driving scenarios.

These CAV technology advancements are explored in a new white paper titled Advances in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Current State and Future Trends by the Information and Communications Technology Council and the Canadian Automated Vehicles Centre of Excellence (CAVCOE).

The paper complements a report originally published by ICTC in 2017 titled “Autonomous Vehicles and the Future of Work in Canada.”

Advances in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Current State and Future Trends updates the CAV discussion in Canada and provides insights into the following:

• Recent advancements in technological infrastructure and inter-vehicle communication
• Canadian readiness
• Deployment challenges
• Higher-level social implications for business, accessibility, education and training
• Provincial and national CAV regulations
• And provides policy recommendations

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are a fundamentally transformative technology that will impact virtually all facets of life—public, business and government. In the near future, CAVs will form the foundation of Smart City transportation, and their impact will be most effective when integrated with current and emerging urban transportation infrastructure.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures have raised the profile worldwide on the importance of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) in enabling safe and efficient last-mile transportation going forward. Accelerating the testing and deployment of CAVs in Canada will build resilient supply chains, enhance eCommerce delivery infrastructures, and reduce congestion and carbon emissions.” Namir Anani, ICTC President & CEO.

Barrie Kirk, Executive Director of CAVCOE added: “I find it exciting that we are witnessing the launch of Cars 2.0. In 1908, the Model T Ford launched Cars 1.0, which led to major changes in the 20th Century: new industries, new government departments and policies, and major socio-economic impacts. CAVs will change the 21st Century every bit as much. These changes will mainly be positive, but there will be negatives. This ICTC-CAVCOE paper can serve all stakeholders as a briefing for a deeper dive into CAV impacts.”

ICTC is a not-for-profit, national centre of expertise for strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in a global economy. Through trusted research, practical policy advice, and creative capacity-building programs, ICTC fosters globally competitive Canadian industries enabled by innovative and diverse digital talent. In partnership with a vast network of industry leaders, academic partners, and policy makers from across Canada, ICTC has empowered a robust and inclusive digital economy for over 25 years.

CAVCOE provides consulting services, analyses and recommendations to all stakeholders involved in the deployment of automated vehicles (AVs) and/or those who will be impacted by their arrival. These stakeholders include all levels of government, public sector agencies, private sector companies, and industry associations.

For media inquiries or further information about Advances in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Current State and Future Trends, please contact Paul Stastny at [email protected] or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.

A copy of this white paper can be accessed here.

A copy of the complementary white paper from 2018 is here.

A French-language version of this press release is here.