In July 2011, the B.C. Government introduced its Open Information and Open Data Policy, becoming the first province in Canada to publish its data under an open license.
Opening up government data is key to enabling engagement with citizens by using new technologies to connect the public to government and to one another. Making government data available online invites individuals, businesses and organizations to use this data in creating new innovative opportunities and solving problems for the betterment of all British Columbians.
The B.C. Government produces and maintains thousands of datasets that represent a broad range of information about natural resources, the economy, justice, education and social programs. Over 1000 datasets in the B.C. Data Catalogue are free for anyone to use or re-purpose under the Open Government Licence - British Columbia.
For questions about the B.C. Government Open Data Initiative, please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system.
Find information about the open government licence in British Columbia.
Read the API terms of use for information provided under the OGL-BC.
B.C. is in good company with many public bodies around the world providing Open Data.
Explore the B.C. Government's extensive collection of datasets, applications and web services.
Read the Open Information and Open Data Policy (PDF, 500 KB) to learn more about Open Data n the B.C. Government.
For ministries: Open Data Assessment and Checklist (DOCX, 30 KB)