The Canadian Index

Open-Source Backend

Develop and maintain a highly secure, robust, backend database infrastructure (with relevant APIs) that can be leveraged by any application or platform adhering to our licensing terms.

Trusted Verification Community

Build a rigorous network of volunteer and professional verifiers who uphold data integrity by fact-checking and validating information submitted to the database.

Economic Empowerment

Strengthen Canada’s economic landscape by facilitating data-driven decisions that highlight local goods and services and mitigate risks from external trade challenges.

Non-Profit Ethos & Licensing

Operate as a non-profit with clearly defined open-source licenses and data usage terms that encourage collaboration, transparency, and community ownership, while protecting data integrity.

Backend Data Accessibility

Goal: Provide a stable, secure API (or equivalent backend interfaces) so that individuals, businesses, and governmental bodies can easily integrate product-origin data into their own systems or apps.

Success Indicator: Number of successful integrations and third-party applications built on top of the database.

Data Integrity and Credibility

Goal: Establish and maintain a robust verification protocol to ensure data accuracy and reliability.

Success Indicator: Ratio of verified entries to total entries; decrease in flagged or disputed entries over time.

Community Engagement & Verification

Goal: Create and sustain a community of contributors and verifiers who actively maintain and validate the data, ensuring it remains fresh and authentic.

Success Indicator: Growth in active verifiers, participation in dispute-resolution processes, and consistent volume of accurately verified contributions.

TODOs: → Volunteer verifies data XYZ > then confirms/rejects ABC. → Reach out to Entrepreneurs groups/circles and ask their needs/feedback? (1 hub for Canadian products, centralized database) - marketing exposure tool (find suppliers/vendors).

Partnership with Public and Private Sectors

Goal: Engage government agencies, industry associations, and private enterprises for data sharing, resource support, and real-world application.

Success Indicator: Number and quality of partnerships, volume of data contributed by official channels (e.g., government trade data).

Licensing & Ethical Use

Goal: Define and uphold open-source licenses for the codebase and the data that protect contributors, encourage usage, and maintain the integrity and openness of the database.

Success Indicator: Minimal licensing violations; clarity among users about permitted uses, attribution requirements, and data-derivative obligations.

Backend-Focused Architecture

Implement an open-source database solution (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Elasticsearch) coupled with a well-documented REST or GraphQL API. Prioritize performance, security, and scalability so any number of third-party apps can consume the data in real time.

Transparent, Open Governance

Manage all project code repositories on platforms like GitHub or GitLab under open-source licenses. Encourage open collaboration – anyone can propose changes or new features via pull requests that are reviewed by maintainers.

Rigorous Verification Layers

Standardize submission forms with supporting documents (e.g., official certifications, manufacturer statements, or customs data). Implement multi-tier validation so that submissions are tentatively published as “unverified” until approved by expert verifiers.

Community Training & Incentives

Provide online resources such as tutorials, webinars, and discussion forums to guide contributors and verifiers. Recognize high-performing verifiers through badges, community mentions, or leadership roles.

Partnerships for Data & Funding

Collaborate with government bodies to access official data feeds and secure grants from innovation funds, philanthropic organizations, or industry groups that see value in supply chain transparency.

TODO: Alberto to research and circle back with grants options.

Security & Compliance

Maintain robust security protocols including encryption (at rest and in transit) and role-based access control for verifiers and contributors, all while adhering to Canadian privacy regulations.

Phase 1: Organizational & Technical Foundations

• Steering Committee & Non-Profit Status: Form a governance board, define mission, licensing policy, and strategic goals. Officially register as a non-profit.
• Licensing & Compliance Framework: Finalize open-source licenses and draft a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) template.
• Backend Architecture Blueprint: Decide on the core technology stack with emphasis on reliability, security, and ease of integration.
• Data Structure & Verification Model: Define the database schema and multi-layered verification process.

Phase 2: MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

• Initial Backend Development: Build the first version of the API, database schema, user authentication, and role management.
• Pilot Community Onboarding: Invite volunteer verifiers, test the system, and refine data submission forms.
• Validation & Security Tests: Perform load tests and vulnerability assessments.
• MVP Launch: Soft-launch the product to early adopters and gather feedback.

Phase 3: Public Rollout & Scale

• Wider Community Engagement: Publicly announce the availability of the API and data sets, and host training workshops.
• Partnership Expansion: Pursue partnerships with government agencies, Chambers of Commerce, and advocacy groups.
• API Refinements & Analytics: Monitor performance metrics and introduce advanced features.
• Verifier Certification Program: Develop and recognize expert verifiers.

Phase 4: Sustainability & Continuous Improvement

• Ongoing Data Audits: Implement automated checks and perform periodic verifications.
• Long-Term Funding & Growth: Pursue grants, sponsorships, and research collaborations.
• Governance & License Compliance: Regularly review licensing terms and enforce conditions.
• Impact Assessment & Reporting: Produce public reports on database usage and success stories.