Government announces funding for digital skills training to help more Canadians get online
News Release
New program to support basic computer skills training for Canadians who need it most
February 19, 2018 – Montréal, Quebec
Digital skills are critical to participation in today’s society, whether for booking a medical appointment, banking safely, studying or looking for a job. Learning these skills and understanding technologies will enhance the amount of information and number of online resources that Canadians can access, which are essential for participating in today’s digital world.
This is why David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today announced the launch of the Government of Canada’s Digital Literacy Exchange Program during a visit to Résidence Les Tours Gouin in Montréal.
As a part of this announcement, Mr. Lametti called on interested not-for-profit organizations to submit proposals under the program. The deadline to submit is March 30, 2018.
The Digital Literacy Exchange Program will invest almost $30 million to support not-for-profit organizations that teach fundamental digital literacy skills to Canadians who would benefit from participating in the digital economy. These include seniors, new and low-income Canadians, Indigenous people, and those living in northern and rural communities.
The program will help ensure that all Canadians have the necessary skills to use computers and the Internet safely and securely and help make sure that no one is left behind in the digital economy.
The Digital Literacy Exchange Program is one of a suite of digital skills programs offered by the Government of Canada that seek to bridge the digital divide and help Canadians access digital technology and develop the skills they need to use it. It aligns with the government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs.
Quotes
“Our government is ensuring that all Canadians have the skills and know-how to access online resources and participate in the digital economy. The Digital Literacy Exchange Program will help us to make sure that all Canadians are equipped with the right skills to access the wealth of information and opportunities online.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“We want all Canadians to control their own connectivity and take their rightful place in the digital world of today. Our government is committed to working to spur economic development and growth and improve the lives of Canadians everywhere. The Digital Literacy Exchange Program will make great strides in honouring that commitment and will help ensure that no Canadian is left behind in the digital revolution.”
– David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Quick Facts
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The Digital Literacy Exchange Program will invest almost $30 million over four years, starting in 2018–19, to help ensure that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate in the digital economy.
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Not-for-profit organizations that are incorporated in Canada can apply for funding.
Associated Links
Contacts
Follow the department on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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