CURV 840 - Secure and Responsible Tech Policy
Course Description

In a rapidly evolving Canadian and global landscape, digital technology is profoundly transforming industries, social interactions, public services, and our day-to-day lives. While many of the impacts have been positive, societal, political and technical risks, as well as unintended consequences have also emerged. These are impacting the economy and consumers, public health and national security, marginalized and vulnerable communities, as well as democracy and civil society.
A key factor in all of this is the failure of tech policy to keep up with the pace of innovation. Tech policy includes the laws and regulation, international agreements and industry standards, and technologist training programs, research and advocacy that contribute to the governance of digital technology. Whether in social media and artificial intelligence, cyber security and digital connectivity, policymakers and influencers across Canada’s public, private, and civil society sectors are racing to catch up.
In Secure and Responsible Tech Policy, the scenario-based assessment provides you with a clearly defined task: analyzing a dynamic, “real life” tech policy issue using a set of tools and the principles-based secure and responsible technology (SRT) framework, and delivering actionable advice through a briefing presentation to an executive leadership team in a major organization.
There is no prerequisite for this Curv microcredential, but it assesses the knowledge and skills gained from the Secure and Responsible Tech Policy (SRTP) program, which offers six - or eight-week online courses for professionals through the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, in partnership with the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, Council of Canadian Innovators, Ontario Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security, and Public Safety Canada.
Whether you're an early career or more experienced professional, this microcredential assesses whether you have the knowledge and skills to effectively create secure and responsible tech policy for Canada.
What to Expect
The Curv microcredential is a rapid, two-week assessment sprint.
During the first week, we provide self-study resources and exercises that you can do on your own to practice your skills and prepare for the assessment. During the second week, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your competency.
The competency-based assignment will simulate a “real life” tech policy and analysis task, assessing your knowledge and skills in:
- Scoping a complex tech policy issue within an organizational scenario
- Mapping the actors and policy issues most relevant to your briefing scenario
- Applying the SRT Framework to bring a principles-based lens of analysis
- Synthesizing your research and analysis to develop a briefing presentation with key findings and actionable advice for decision-makers
- Delivering a 10-minute video briefing presentation that simulates how you would communicate your analysis, findings, and advice to an executive leadership group.
Your work will be assessed by an expert and you will receive a grade and personalized performance feedback. If you successfully complete the assessment, you will receive a Toronto Metropolitan University Curv microcredential from The Chang School that proves your competency in Secure and Responsible Tech Policy.
Meet the Industry Expert
Meet André. He’s the Director of Policy and head of the Secure and Responsible Tech Policy program at the Dais, a public policy and leadership think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University that aims to build a more inclusive, innovative, prosperous Canada. He’s worked in a variety of other roles at the intersection of policy, technology, and higher education as well as Senior Advisor to Ontario’s deputy premier and minister for Treasury Board Secretariat on technology and digital services; and as Chief Operating and Strategy officer with NEXT Canada, a national nonprofit incubator for entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Who Should Take This Program?
This program is for professionals working in, or seeking to transition into, roles that directly engage with tech policy issues, whether in policy and regulatory development, program delivery, technology, advocacy, legal services, or other types of roles.
You could work for a government or regulatory agency, a large company, high-growth scaleup or tech startup firm, not-for-profit organization, or academic institution.
If you’re seeking professional development that contributes to job success and/or career advancement, this microcredential is for you.
Learner profiles include:
- Policy, government/public affairs, legal, business development, and product development professionals
- Technologists in infosecurity, privacy, integrity, and other tech-adjacent roles
- Professionals who intersect with governments and regulators
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for this microcredential?
You should have some foundational tech policy knowledge and skills before enrolling.
Courses in the Secure and Responsible Tech Policy (SRTP) program offered by the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University are not a prerequisite, but they will equip learners with understanding of the tech policy landscape in Canada and experience with SRT analytic tools that will help in successfully completing this microcredential.
If you can answer “yes” to all of the following statements, then you may be ready to enrol. You have general awareness and/or understanding of:
- The tech policy landscape in Canada and globally
- The Canadian policy making processes and institutions
- The organizations and individuals in the Canadian tech policy ecosystem, across public, private and civil society sectors
- The skills, tools, and processes for advising and briefing decision-makers in senior leadership positions
- The practices and processes for applying scoping and analytic frameworks as part of project planning and implementation
- SRT concepts, principles, and tools applied in the SRTP program (not required but helpful)
What do I need to do for the assessment?
The microcredential assignment will centre around a scenario requiring analysis of a tech policy issue and a presentation of findings to a leadership audience.
You will be responsible for delivering two products: a concise, seven-slide Powerpoint presentation; and a 10-minute video (oral) briefing for outlining your analysis, findings and advice for decision-makers.
Through your presentation, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to scope your tech policy analysis task, map the landscape of actors and related policies, apply the secure and responsible technology policy framework (SRT) as a principle-based lens, and synthesize the research and analysis into the written presentation and oral briefing of the scenario audience.
What are the technological requirements for the assessment?
You will need a:
- Stable Internet connection (no minimum connection speed required)
- Computer with an Internet browser (e.g., Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) Note: Chrome Internet browser is recommended for optimal experience
- Mobile phone* capable of receiving an SMS text message
*Why do I need a mobile phone? To log in to the my.torontomu.ca portal and access the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace), you will need a mobile device for two-factor authentication.
How much time do I have to complete the assessment after enrolling?
Your microcredential will last two weeks. In the first week, you will have access to the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace) to explore the supporting materials and practice activities that prepare you for the assessment. The supporting materials are self-paced and can take approximately two to seven hours to complete, depending on your prior knowledge and experience.
In the second week, you will gain access to the assessment. You will be able to open the assessment window at any time within that second week. Depending on the microcredential, the assessment window may be time limited (for example, three hours).
What are my support options?
Upon enrolling, you will have access to refresher resources and exercises. Your expert assessor will be available through the D2L Support Forum for any questions prior to the assessment. If you have any questions or experience any technical issues, you may contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Computing and Communications Services (CCS) by email or phone.
What happens once I complete the assessment?
A week after you complete the assessment, you will receive your result from an expert assessor.
If you are able to meet the criteria and pass the assessment, you will receive a shareable Toronto Metropolitan University digital credential. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or anywhere you want to display your achievements.
If you are not able to meet the criteria and do not pass the assessment, you can re-enrol and try again when the next offering of this microcredential is available. Be sure to review your feedback and ensure that you have filled any gaps in knowledge or skill before registering for a future offering of this microcredential.