The document summarizes the rationalization of the Canadian Heritage web presence, including the decommissioning of Culture.ca and Culturescope.ca portals by December 2008. A new single web portal is being implemented in a 3-year phased approach to better serve clients based on research and lessons learned from the previous portals. The first release will leverage existing content and services while the second will introduce new functionality.

1. From Portal to Portal Rationalization of Canadian Heritage Web Presence Vladimir Skok, eServices December 2008 Culturemondo Roundtable 4

2. Culture.ca and Culturescope.ca

3. Two collaborative cultural portals 2003-2008 Culture.ca General audience portal on a wide range of cultural themes. Unique collection of more than 21,000 quality Canadian cultural links Organized in six main categories: Arts Heritage Nature Recreation Society Tourism Audience: Canadians 19 to 55 Youth Media teachers Culturescope.ca Specialized interactive portal informing the cultural policy and research community Encouraging evidence-based policy and planning Stimulating community debate and improved knowledge exchange Interactive work groups Audience: cultural policy and development professionals Researchers, Analysts, Planners Decision-makers Academics Canadian and foreign specialists

4. Strategic Review Strategic Review is an exercise which the Government of Canada began to undertake to assess whether programs are achieving their intended results, are effectively managed, and are appropriately aligned with Government priorities. This included culture programs of Canadian Heritage including Culture.ca and Culturescope.ca, which were cut. Two main reasons: “ The original program objectives of the portals have been fulfilled and the decision to discontinue the Web portals reflects the changing conditions in the digital and online environment.” “ The digital space has evolved tremendously since the portals were created in 2003. The sophistication of today’s search engines has overtaken much of the need for such portals.”

5. Transition Government of Canada decided in April 2008 that Culture.ca and Culturescope.ca had achieved their objectives. Since then the two portals are in the process of being decommissioned and will be offline by December 31, 2008. In parallel, Canadian Heritage agreed to a strategy of rationalizing its diverse Web presence.

6. Web Transformation Strategy The Canadian Heritage Web Transformation Strategy rests on three strategic, enabling pillars: Client-driven experience – Packaging information and services around client needs, based on research, client feedback and performance against targets. Technology and Funding – Modernizing and standardizing technologies and supporting processes, implementing information management practices, and investing in cost-effective tools (content management); Mandate and Roles & Responsibilities – Investing in organizational capacity and confirming eServices leadership and accountability to establish and maintain a client-driven, cost-effective transformed eChannel.

7. Transition to one Web Portal Client Phone eChannel In person Mail

8. a Single Web Channel concept

9. Implementation Approach A 3-year phased project with planned Web site release. Operational procedures and processes updated to ensure the organization can effectively support the Web site as it evolves. A scalable and prioritized approach: essential needs met first, enhancements to follow, based on client research and leveraging of lessons learned by Culture.ca and Culturescope.ca.

10. 3 Year Overview Planning and investments supporting our service transformation objectives Visible to our clients and stakeholders Release 2.0 WCMS Deployed Release 3.0 WCMS Leveraged 2009/10 2010/11 2008/09 Release 1.0, 1.1 Govt. of Canada Common Look & Feel Compliant Planning for Release 2.0 Planning for Release 3.0 Planning for Operations 1.1 1.0 2011/12 2.0 3.0

11. Release 2.0 - 2010 Leveraging Culture.ca and Culturescope.ca Visible: Enhanced site functionality (leveraging Culture.ca & Culturescope.ca services) Full deployment of new site structure and terminology (user driven content) Planning: Web Content Mgmt System (WCMS) Implementation Date : Mar. 31, 2010

12. Release 3.0 - 2011 Introducing Web 2.0 functionality Visible: Introduction of Web 2.0 functionality Where applicable, “stand-alone” sites are integrated back into PCH site. Planning: WCMS fully deployed Some Web Publishing rights are devolved to program partners, in alignment with eServices policies and procedures. Date : Mar. 31, 2011